Every species has a “typical” number of days for each stage of reproduction. I know most of us keep an eye on gravid females. Things usually follow the expected timing, or close to it. I work with corn snakes, who usually lay 7-14 days after their pre-lay shed. Most of mine average around day 10 post-shed. Well, one who was paired last month (18, 20, 23 June) had her prelay shed on the 19 July, two days ago. This morning, much to my surprise, she had laid her eggs. Yes, TWO DAYS after her pre-lay shed. She hadn’t read the manual. Or maybe she read Kathy Love’s classic which does explain that an individual’s timing may differ. I’d already given her a nest box and I check females who are due twice daily. But I was quite surprised. Thought it would be good to post a PSA to be ready for eggs at the earliest possible moment. Thinking you have another week or whatever time to prepare based upon what’s “usual” may have unhappy results.
That’s crazy! I think the earliest I’ve ever had was 7 days past pre-lay shed. But like you, most of mine average about 10-12 days. I always like to give a lay box as soon as they go blue anyway.
That’s wild! I don’t know the usual timing for corns, but you said she was paired last month. That seems like a quick turnaround for the prelay shed as well (but maybe that’s normal for corns), in addition to laying so soon after shedding.
She was pretty quick all around. I’ve had only a couple lay within 30ish days of pairing. They’re usually more like day 40-something, sometimes 50+. I’m wondering if I missed her ovulation and she then accepted a male anyhow (no question she was willing) but shed based more on the date of ovulation than pairing. Either way, it blows my mind that she laid less than 48 hours after her pre-lay shed.