It is egg laying season

[Catherine]

It is like being a midwife. When I realized Pete was pregnant and close to egg laying I set her up in a moss filled nest box.
I checked on her regularly so she knew I was around. When she started laying eggs I let her know I was there.

After she laid the eggs she stayed with them until I came home from work. I took her out and snuggled her a bit and took care of the eggs. I put her back with her family and later I got her a good meal.

I am watching my other girls. So far no one else is ready to lay eggs. I think Firebird and Sedona were breeding tonight so I will have to watch for her to be ready to lay her eggs. The length of time they carry the eggs varies so I really have to recognize the signs that a female is ready. Right now I am in midwife mode. I am paying close attention to the girls. Little changes in a snakes usual behavior are often the only warning I have that she is ready to lay eggs.

Pete was restless and was sunning herself. Usually she is very quiet an does not lie under the heat light.