Black racer and her eggs..pics

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

thanks James

I forgot to add though... I do keep the eggs in an airtight container, but I open the container once every 4 or 5 days to peek at the eggs and make sure they still look good, rehydrate if it's too dry in there, and of course, to allow fresh air into the container. The eggs do breathe!!

[Mom2Four]

thanks James

I forgot to add though... I do keep the eggs in an airtight container, but I open the container once every 4 or 5 days to peek at the eggs and make sure they still look good, rehydrate if it's too dry in there, and of course, to allow fresh air into the container. The eggs do breathe!!

I put very teeny tiny holes in the top of the container, it is maintaining moisture very well.. Well the humidity in the air is so high we have not had to rehydrate yet, and I open the container at least once a day just to look and see if they need any hydration, so I think they will get enough air?? What says you?

[CelestiHel]

Wow! That's great. I am filthy with wild garters and milk snakes, but racers are threatened in Vermont. I've always wanted to see one. And ring necks. Maybe I'll go look under rocks tomorrow, I'm inspired.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I put very teeny tiny holes in the top of the container, it is maintaining moisture very well.. Well the humidity in the air is so high we have not had to rehydrate yet, and I open the container at least once a day just to look and see if they need any hydration, so I think they will get enough air?? What says you?

the little holes are enough to maintain air flow. They don't need much air until they hatch and start breathing. They just need oxygen to be contacting the surface of the egg at all times so that the embryo can absorb it through the egg's shell. You will probably have to open the container a few times to add just a little bit of moisture, especially as the eggs get closer to term, they tend to suck up water and they even grow in size a little, then right before they hatch the usually shrivel and discolor slightly a day or two before hand and look like a raisin. This doesn't always happen but often it will. I assume its from the baby snake absorbing the yolk and starting to move around as it cuts the shell but i could be wrong there. Just remember, it is possible for them to take on too much water and that will kill them, so never allow it to be WET in there, or for any water droplets to directly contact the eggs. Watch closely for any mold and if any starts growing, move that egg away from others and gently wipe it clean. Sometimes they will make it, sometimes not. Don't feel bad if a few of the eggs die, I have lost over half my kingsnake clutch I have come from 10 to just 4 eggs (i think the power outage was too much for them).

I'd love to hear from you when they hatch!!! I would love to give a pair of these a home