After 14 years, my snake surprised me...

[starfire]

In 2008 I adopted a 7 year old normal male, abused, rescue BP. My vet tech friend was doing reptile rescue and rehab, and he took in a snake with a broken jaw, occluded nostrils, infected rat bite wounds, RI, burns, belly and mouth infections---poor animal was in dire shape. My friend didn't name his rescue animals, so over the months of recovery I'd ask him "Hey, how's that little rat bite baby doing?" After about 8 months the snake recovered, but as he was not an especially valuable male for breeding, my friend asked if I wanted him. I'd just begun learning about reptile husbandry but thought it over carefully and decided to adopt him. I'd researched BP care here at BP.net, asked a million questions here and from other respected herpers, and ordered and set up my RBI rack, hides, thermostats, etc. And so Rat Bite Baby came to live as a confirmed bachelor at my house.

When I first adopted RBB I took him to an well-known, experienced reptile vet who sexed him, confirmed him male, and evaluated his condition. One of his nostrils was closed permanently by the rat bite injury, and though his jaw healed a little crooked, other than an occluded nostril and some scarring, RBB was a healthy boy.

Previously I'd only cared for mammals, and at first reptile husbandry was a steep learning curve. Not having to have him neutered (go ahead and laugh; I'll wait.) Not freaking out when he wouldn't eat for months, getting the Goldilocks set up just right for him to be happy, and acceding to this particular snake's preference for only eating white f/t rats. Over the years RBB thrived, put on good weight (1850-1875g), and had a very easy going and curious personality. A very chill snake. I'm respectful, he's respectful. He's given me perfect sheds and continued to eat well over the years.

Fast forward 14 years... Something's been off with RBB the past few months; he hasn't eaten, he had his first really terrible shed, and he's kept to himself under his hides. He's still mellow and calm when I take him out to gently examine him; he hasn't loss much weight. No wheezing, weird noises, RI symptoms; no skin or mouth infections; continues to drink and void, but he's not eating and something's a miss. His behavior and condition probably wouldn't concern most, but I've been concerned about what to do next--vet or not, stress him out or not.

Until last night... when I went in to check on him and found that "he" had cleanly laid a clutch of 9 eggs! Removed the eggs (slugs/no viable), waited til morning to make sure she was done, confirmed no other eggs were forthcoming or bound, let her hang in basin of warm water for a little bit, gave her a warm soap and water bath, completely scrubbed and changed her tub and environment, and let her rest awhile before offering food.

Yep, Rat Bite Baby is a GIRL and apparently capable of facultative parthenogensis. I guess she figured after 21 years there weren't going to be any males stopping by to flirt and laid a clutch of eggs by herself. I would've given anything to see my face when realized I was looking at a clutch of eggs in my 21 year old bachelor male's tub. And BTW, a little disappointed in the sexing by the "renown" reptile vet...

Apologies for the long post and special thanks to everyone at BP.net who has had this same surprise and posted about your own experiences. Your collective guidance keeps me off the tiny high ledge every time. Much obliged.

Learning here.....


https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...bpnet_eggs.jpg