Maternal Incubation Update

[SerpentLust]

So the 50 day mark is fast approaching. July 25th will mark 50 days that my spotted has been on her eggs.

I have some questions/curiosities...

First, I noticed today that she left her clutch to explore the enclosure and get water and such. I know this isn't unusual, but I was in the midst of feeding my male and she looked very hungry so I took a shot and gave her the thawed rat. First she bolted back to the eggs to protect them as I expected, but then she peeped her head out, tongued the rodent, and took it without hesitation, like she was starving. I was under the impression that snakes who are maternally incubating do not eat.

I'm assuming there's nothing wrong with feeding her, but I was just curious as to whether this might be an indication that the eggs didn't make it. They look fine as far as I can tell.

Secondly, assuming they do hatch, I have been informed that after I remove the babies from the enclosure I have to sterilize the enclosure thoroughly in order to get rid of the "baby scent" so to speak. Obviously I was going to clean it anyways after the eggs hatch, but I was curious about that fact aswell.

Crossing my fingers. My mom has my work phone number in case they hatch while I'm there. Camera is sitting by the enclosure ready haha

Jenn