Do Rat Snakes Lay Eggs?
Rat snakes are some of the most common members of the snake group. Rats snakes, also known as ”colubrids,” include more than a thousand species, such as corn snakes, pine snakes, and fox snakes. As with most snakes, a key question often asked is, “Do rat snakes lay eggs?”
Do Rat Snakes Lay Eggs?
Yes, rat snakes do lay eggs. Rat snakes, however, are oviparous, which means that they reproduce by laying eggs instead of giving live birth. After mating, a female rat snake will lay between 5 and 20 eggs in a sheltered area, such as a burrow, a forest floor, or a hollow tree. A typical clutch of eggs will take between 6 and 8 weeks to incubate, with most litters hatching together.
Caring for Rat Snake Eggs
Once the eggs have been laid, the female snake will leave them, usually leaving the mother snake just as the eggs hatch. Therefore, the eggs must be tended prior to hatching. Here are some tips for caring for rat snake eggs:
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- Maintain Humidity: Rat snake eggs require a high level of humidity in order to remain viable. To accomplish this, the eggs should be placed in a closed container with damp vermiculite or peat moss. This will maintain the required ambient humidity.
- Monitor Temperature: To ensure the eggs start incubating properly, temperatures between 79-86 degrees must be maintained. Again, this will ensure the eggs are viable and develop correctly.
- Turn Regularly: The eggs should be turned at least once a day. This will prevent the embryo from sticking to the eggshell, thus allowing for proper development of the embryo.
- Monitor for Mold: To ensure the eggs are viable, watch for any signs of mold. If mold does begin to form, it can harm the egg and should be removed immediately.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rat snakes do reproduce by laying eggs. It is important, however, to make sure the eggs are properly tended so that they remain viable and develop correctly. If the eggs are maintained in the correct environment and monitored routinely, they can remain viable and hatch successfully.
