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Did I blow it by feeding my snake?

L

LadySnake

New member
My female 03 (who I thought was a male) laid eggs last year without ever being introduced to a male. She became eggbound, so I took her to my local vet who gave her an injection, and she laid 15 slugs. I am expecting her to lay eggs this year as well because she looks bigger than usual. I have taken more precautions this year -- I have handled/exercised her more, and I have a lay box ready. She just shed this morning, and because she hasn’t eaten in over 3 weeks (she refused food before her blue period), I decided to offer her a smaller meal (1 weanling) this morning. I wanted her to build up a little strength before laying as the last time it took alot out of her. She ate the mouse, albeit without her usual gusto. I brought out all my corn snake manuals and just read that you should not feed a female before she lays her eggs. Argh! Did I just blow it? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
 
Some people say not to feed them, others say it is alright. My vet thinks that if your snake should not be eating, she would refuse the meal. My vet says that the snake will eat if it is able. They are surprisingly in touch with their needs. If your snake, she should be fine if it was a small snack.
 
I still offer my girls a smaller than usual meal after their pre-lay shed, some eat, some don't and I haven't had problems either way. I think the snakes know what they need, when they need it and I leave it up to them to decide whether to eat or not :)

Hope that helps,
 
well

They dont always know whats best for them Vets dont know much about reptiles,if she ate the mouse and cant digest it she will regurge it and the mouse probably wont stink like when a cornsnake that regurges is sick
 
Considering a pre-lay shed is usually a week to 10 days before the actual egg-laying, feeding a female a small meal just after shedding isn't that big of a deal. I've had females eat a small meal during this time and have had no problems. Most females, however, simply won't eat at this time so I usually don't offer them a meal. The few that did eat were literally "asking" for food.
 
I keep offering food until they refuse. I've had one eat a day or two before laying without any ill-effects. In your situation, I'd relax.
 
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