Snake
Reproduction
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Snakes produce offspring in 2 basic ways. The first involves
development of the fertilized eggs within the body of the female.
When the embryos are fully developed, the offspring are born,
appearing like miniature adults. Boa constrictors, water and garter
snakes, and rattlesnakes are live-bearing species and are considered
ovoviviparous.
The second method involves deposition of oblong, leathery-shelled
eggs within the environment, where the eggs incubate. At the
completion of embryonic development, the eggs hatch, producing
miniature adults. Pythons and rat and milk snakes are egg layers,
and are considered oviparous. In either case, the newborn or newly
hatched can fend for themselves and receive no parental nurturing.
Many snake species readily mate in captivity. One mating may
result in up to 3 clutches of eggs or 3 "litters" of live young.
This is because sperm can be stored within the reproductive tract of
the female after insemination.
The proper pairing of snakes according to age and sex is
essential if reproduction in captivity is to be successful. Sexing
of snakes can be difficult because males generally resemble females.
Male pythons and boa constrictors have a spur on each side of the
vent. Some females have spurs but they are usually smaller than
those of males. These observations can be misleading at times.
Snakes under 18 inches long can usually be sexed by exerting
pressure on the tissues surrounding the vent. Male snakes have
paired hemipenes (elongated, spurred structures used during
copulation) that can be extruded with this maneuver. The widely
accepted method for sexing most snakes over 18 inches in length
requires specialized sexing probes. These elongated, blunt tipped
instruments are gently inserted into the vent and directed toward the
tail. The probe penetrates only a short distance in females and a
much longer distance in males. This procedure should only be
attempted by experienced handlers.
Artificial Incubation of Snake Eggs
Artificial incubation of fertile snake eggs is quite easy. A
small amount of water is added to an empty styrofoam picnic chest.
Then, a thick layer of peat moss, sphagnum moss, vermiculite,
shredded newspaper, or paper towels is added. The eggs are carefully
introduced into this medium. Slightly moistening the incubation
material also helps prevent the eggs' drying out. Too much moisture,
however, promotes the formation of mold which will cause destruction
of the eggs' contents. The relative humidity required to incubate
snake eggs falls within the range of 75-85 percent. The covered
styrofoam chest is then placed on a heating pad, which is set on its
lowest heat setting. The ideal temperature range for most incubation
lies between 78 and 84 F. The average incubation period for most
snakes range between 55 and 60 days.
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