Hydrodynastes breeding/incubation/etc

[anthonym]

I have a pair of H. gigas that I bred this season for the first time. Yesterday my female had what I believe to be her pre-lay shed. I'm curious as to how long after her pre-lay shed I should expect eggs, what temps to incubate them at, and how long I should expect to incubate before babies hatch? Please relay your experiences with me; much appreciation!

[wilomn]

In the next 5 to 10 days to lay.

84 to 86 for 55 to 60 days for incubation.

She WILL be hungry when she's done laying.

[anthonym]

Thanks for the info, Wes. Very helpful!

That being said, I've ran into a weird situation. Yesterday morning I woke up and checked on her, and she laid 1 single infertile egg that was half deflated looking when I found it. This was only 2 days after her pre-lay shed. She hasn't laid anymore since then. She looks like she still has some eggs in her though. Has anyone had any experience like that with any species of snake? Just laying a single egg a couple days before laying the rest? (I assume she will be laying the rest soon.) I made a bigger lay-box for her cause I'm not sure why she didn't use the one I had in there. I suspect maybe it was too cramped for her to hang out in AND lay eggs, as she spent a lot of time beforehand hanging out in it.

[wilomn]

Sometimes the slugs get spit out early. I've had it happen.

When she's ready, she'll go. I've used boxes and had them lay in the shavings.

Provided she's not eggbound, which I don't think she is as yet, she should lay in the next few days. Could be anytime though.