Scenting Eggs

Saw something quite interesting over at a cornsnake forum about scenting snake eggs during incubation with the desired prey item which supposedly increases the chance of it taking that item after it's hatched.

Anyone do this with ball pythons?

Especially since you can get some really picky or finicky or reluctant starters. Thought it would be an interesting experiment for someone who has a lot of eggs in which they can break it into a control and experiment group and compare the two.

I'm no expert by ANY means....

But that's the silliest thing I've heard in my life.

Yeah, it's really odd but not completely out of the realm of possibility, right?

With mallard and geese eggs, they recognize their mother's call from what they're exposed to while in the egg.

Worse thing that can happen is there's no difference at all.

Hi,

Yeah I stumbled across that a while ago - I think I put a thread up about it in the advanced husbandry section trying to get opinions.

I had actually thought about trying it this year but was worried it would increase the chances of mold and bacteria getting through the eggs defenses.


dr del

Sounds completely ridiculous to me.

I don't think a conscientious mother python would allow rodents into the nest. It might actually decrease the chance of the hatchlings taking that prey item. But it's worth experimenting to see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

I don't think a conscientious mother python would allow rodents into the nest. It might actually decrease the chance of the hatchlings taking that prey item. But it's worth experimenting to see.

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@dr_del

Yeah I was wondering about the bacteria issue too, especially if you use body parts or blood.

@wingedwolfpsion

They usually hole up in rodent burrows to begin with, so maybe it's already a pre-scented cavern?