What are some of the bad effects of inbreeding on corn snakes

Also easily seen are the now protruding ventral scales. Normally, these are flat across the bottom of the snake, but when gravid they 'round out' in the area of the egg mass and begin to protrude, giving a rounded belly look. You can see it here in the same Crimson corn.

Once we see the snake is gravid, we cease introducing the male to her and await the females' next shedding. This second shed of the year is our indicator that she is near to laying eggs, usually in a week to ten days. Often, the female will become restless, as if searching for a place to lay her eggs. Well, she is - so give her one! We use half-gallon sherbet containers (Sean eats the stuff) which are filled half way with damp sphagnum moss. We cut an access hole in the side, near the top about twice the diameter of the snake. The last few days before laying, they rarely venture out of the cup and most will have stopped feeding. If you decide to feed a female between the last shed and egg-laying, offer only very small meals. Here's a gravid Albino Bloodred corn resting in her cup.

Note that we place the water bowl nearby. Often the snakes can be seen resting with only the neck and head exposed, and having a handy drink seems like a good idea. Try not to add too much water to the moss. It should be only lightly dampened, see how it is nice and light in color. Moss that is too wet will quickly turn a very dark blackish brown in color.

June

Most of our corns have laid eggs by now, although there may still be a few 'gravid ones' around. Within a day or two after laying, most females will resume feeding. Again, offer very small meals, increasing the size and frequency until your female is feeding normally again. She should regain body weight quickly, and will usually shed her skin about two weeks after laying. This is the signal for reintroduction to the male if you wish to attempt a second clutch from her for the year. This is dangerous stuff, and we do not recommend it for beginners. The ability to judge the females' body weight and condition requires a few years practice. Definitely avoid it with young, small, or first year females! Producing one clutch is hard enough on your female - don't push it!