im getting very nervous....

[herphunter]

my female corn (gravid) is starting to "nest" she keeps checking out the nest box,and only leaves it to drink and stretch for a minute. ive been giving her vitamins through her water,since she has no interest in eating,is it normal for them to not eat the entire time their gravid? should i try harder to get her to eat,or will it stress her out too much?also right now i have moss in her nest box,she burrows underneath it.should i switch to something else safer for her eggs,and if so, what, and where can i get it?
this is my first time breeding snakes,so any help will be appreciated,thanks

 

[herphunter]

see what i mean...

here she is,i just peaked in on her for a sec for a quick pic.

 

[bmm]

Hi!

It is very normal for females to stop eating once they are really gravid. Most do. Don't push her to eat. She will be fine. And she is certainly close to laying! Has she shed recently? They will have a "pre lay" shed. After this shed you can assume she will lay within 14 days. I am guessing your snake has shed recently if she is already searching out the nesting site and such. It is my first year too but things will work out! Don't worry and don't bug her! You'll know just by looking at her if she has laid the eggs yet.

bmm

 

[herphunter]

nope

she hasnt shed yet. she is quickly putting on weight,even though she hasnt eaten in a few weeks. i mean, it is now very obvious,as you can see with the skin showing through her scales,shes very big, and looks very pregnant. i was kinda hoping for a small clutch seeing as its her and my first time,but it seems she has other plans,but then again thats ruby,shes always surprising me

 

[bmm]

Well if she hasn't shed at all since mating, I believe you still have a few days-two weeks to go. I think they all have a pre-lay shed. And that will be your indicator that she will lay within a couple days - two weeks from then. Another person on the board had his go for 18 days after pre-lay shed, while still others only 4 or so days after.

She is mighty fat! Maybe it will be a huge clutch. I was also hoping for a small clutch for my first time....I am was prepared for tons, and none, but hoping for like 8-12....I got 19 She will definitly surprise you!

bmm