Looks like we are starting some pre-lay sheds. All three females have had the pre-shed look the past few days. During checks this morning I discovered these two have begun to go “blue”.
My poor female black pine. The male roughed her up pretty good during breeding. It’s all superficial scale damage though, so I’m sure she’ll look good as new after this shed.
The males I have had paired with these three have seemed to lose interest in them. I’m going to pair them again one last time post shed just to be sure though. Hopefully the fellas begin eating again here soon.
First pre-lay shed is complete! I went to check before bed and my female black pine “Ursula” had shed. The superficial scale damage from the male’s rough stuff is entirely gone. Now the count down begins!
I found big bags of the fine shred on Amazon. I think they were around $50/ea so not particularly cheap compared to what you can get at tractor supply, etc. but our local tractor supply never has it in stock. It is usually pretty good with the dust but the last two bags I got were pretty dusty, so we’ll see if I continue using it. I like to use the smaller shred for the Pits because it holds tunnels and shape better than the bigger “chipped” stuff. I use the bigger stuff for the boas because it’s a little cheaper and they aren’t burrowing like the Pits.
Thanks Dean. Me too! I’m going to put her lay box in this weekend. I know it’s early but I’d rather be safe than come home from work to shriveled eggs.
And a few more bonus shots of the black pine. She always looks really good with a fresh set of skin but I think she looks even better after this particular one.
I have to say I have developed a very soft spot in my heart for bull snakes since I acquired one. She is the sweetest girl. I am excited to see what all the little bull and pine babies look like! I have a rambunctious little Mexican pine. He’s a bit hissy with a rattling tail!
Your black pine momma is absolutely lovely! Motherhood becomes both of your bull and pine mommas!
Woo hoo it’s gonna be egg time soon. I love the way her expression looks! She’s thinking about when she’s gonna surprise you with a mountain of fresh eggs! It’s Momma time!!!
They are so very gorgeous! Any day now will be egg day! I can never decide which of your bull snakes is my favorite. Great pics, too. One with the female who’s begin to shed reminded me first of a lady in an old timey bonnet. Then it reminded me of illustrations of the wolf in “Red Riding Hood.” Cool shot, either way! Kudos on all of the successful breedings and best luck for all of the upcoming clutches!
@caron Yep, looks like I need to get egg boxes prepped and turn on the incubator. Next week should be a busy one!
@orcavos Thank you! She is super clean and refined. She’s one of my favorites and I’m really looking forward to seeing what her offspring look like. Hopefully she proves het axanthic because the visual ghosts should be pretty special.
@caryl Thank you! It is indeed hard to pick a favorite. LOL @ the bonnet comment. She does look like a grumpy old timey lady.
My hybino finally shed last night, so she is on the clock as well.
I put lay boxes in my black pine and one of the bulls cages over the weekend. The bull has begun forming a nest cavity which is a cool behavior to observe.
That is organic sphagnum peat moss from Home Depot. I wet it down so it is moist but when I squeeze it, it’s not dripping moisture out. I plan to use the moist substrate from the lay boxes for the egg boxes as well. I will be adding some moistened sphagnum to the egg boxes in addition to the peat moss.
Michael Coone is a mentor of mine so I am following his method. He’s been very successful with black and louisiana pines, as well other colubrid species.
