Gravid females eating?

[mikebab]

Is it common for gravid females to eat when offered food?

Two of my females have been paired with a male since early November. I've witnessed locks for both. Their last sheds were in November and they went off feed in late December, early January. They both recently shed and have eaten for the past two weeks straight. This is my first attempt at breeding so I'm not experienced yet with witnessing ovulation or palpating. Is it common for gravid females to eat or are they not gravid? I've noticed that one is a bit bigger in girth then the other but I'm not sure if that is due to her recent meal or not.

Thanks in advance.

[ClarkT]

We've not had them eat if they're anywhere from the building to laying process. It seems they eat like mad until they're up to the building point. They may pair during eating like that, but then when they start the building process, they go off feed. At least ours have. This is my first year, so mine is a limited experience.

[Twisted Reptiles]

It really varies from snake to snake. Some will stop eating as soon as the season begins, other will eat until they ovulate. Most of the time, they all stop eating after ovulation, but I have heard stories of some that eat even after that. I think that needs to be considered a somewhat oddity though.

Keep in mind, just because they aren't eating, doesn't mean they are in fact gravid. Balls go off of feed for so many reasons, that it can be misleading. Watch their behaviors and their sheds and see if it all adds up.

[ClarkT]

Completely agree with Twisted Reptiles.

See if it all adds up. What other signs are there they may be gravid? Check for the follicles, glowing, seeking cold, soaking, etc.

If it were me, I'd just keep pairing them, watch for signs, pay attention to and record sheds, and other behaviors.

Good luck!

[Annarose15]

Just my two cents, but I believe soaking and cool-seeking behaviors are signs of building follicles (not gravid yet). Once the girls ovulate (aka become gravid), they'll stay on the warm end of the enclosure (heat-seeking).

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

What you said is how is goes most of the time . However we had a female that after Ov all she did was soak up until her prepay shed then she started the heat seeking. But right after her Ov every day all day she would be in her water dish. But she's gravid and fat and due on the 16th. But to the OP everyone has pretty much said it all. Just watch them for Ov keep pairing until the female refuses the male. If you happen to miss her Ov then that's kinda a last sign that she may be gravid. That's not a for sure sign but if you see that then watch for a shed. But you should be able to tell when she's building and even after Ov they are fat... Lol they will look thicker and wider at the tail .... Hope this helps. If you have any more questions just ask. Good luck