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Posts by Susan H: |
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Susan H Member Joined: 21 Sep 2006 No. of posts: 5  View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 21 Sep 2006
Topic: grass snake eggs
Hi, I live in Somerset and I have just joined to try to get some info about the grass snake eggs I found yesterday in my compost heap. They are unhatched, still quite heavy - rather longer and narrower than others I have seen, not so many - about eight - and very varied in size. They should have been laid when the heap was decomposing and still generating heat. I must have inadvertently reduced their cover when I moved a substantial quantity of the heap a couple of months ago. But I am sure it was mature compost. They were still covered, and I discovered them when moving well rotted compost to use. But could they have been laid there during the heat wave because the heap was already hot enough then? The heap is in a warm south facing sloping site, so will have remained reasonably warm. Is it possible that the eggs are still viable? Can I put them in one of my other heaps that are still generating heat? Will they be suitable for captive rearing? For the moment I have just dug them back into the same heap and await advice. I have got plenty of good habitat. |
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Susan H Member Joined: 21 Sep 2006 No. of posts: 5 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 26 Sep 2006
Topic: grass snake eggs
Thanks, all, for your helpful replies, I had already moved the part of the heap where the eggs were laid - that is when I saw them. I have no idea of the original depth, but probably about two to three inches. They had been laid in a heap which was probably in full sun then, but which had become shaded by fast growing brambles and nettles. This may have slowed the incubation. I immediately buried them again in what I think is a similar aspect in another part of the same heap. I think that the dark material is a good idea, John, as it should help even out the variations of temperature caused by the nights getting colder. I have put a piece of dark roofing slate over the spot - and am hoping for a happy outcome. I am also building a new heap very close which should generate heat for the hatchlings, and give them some cover for winter. It has plenty of loose twiggy and stemmy material at the bottom for easy access. All the heaps are against an earth bank. Does any one know how long the incubation period is ? How long should I wait to see if they have hatched? I am reassured that snakes are still active for another month or so |
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Susan H Member Joined: 21 Sep 2006 No. of posts: 5 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 03 Oct 2006
Topic: grass snake eggs
Thanks Rob, The heap is now unshaded and exposed to as much sun as is possible , being in a raised situation with an earth bank to the North. It should get sun from dawn to dusk. I can't vouch for the position of the eggs being the same as when laid, as they came out in a spadeload into the barrow. But I deduced that they can't be laid broadside on, and, rather like preventing rot in lily bulbs, I positioned them as best I could so that none would be obstructed. The only danger is if I got the whole lot upside down. I have not checked on them yet as I dont want to disturb them further. There was a bit of yellowing, which I thought was staining from compost, but certainly no mould, and still feeling heavy for the size of the clump. Regards, Susan |
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Susan H Member Joined: 21 Sep 2006 No. of posts: 5 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 16 Oct 2006
Topic: grass snake eggs
I haven't dared disturb the heap further yet - When this wet spell is over I'll have a careful peek. Susan |
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Susan H Member Joined: 21 Sep 2006 No. of posts: 5 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 05 Nov 2006
Topic: grass snake eggs
Hello Rob, and everyone who has contributed - the answer is yes, some hatched - at first I thought that they had just shrivelled, and was disappointed to see a thread like dried up dead hatchling half in and half out of an egg, on closer examination at least four others had slits in, so had hatched and gone. There was still one large unhatched (central) egg which still looked viable, and two smaller, slightly deflated eggs which looked less likely. No mould, just some yellow/brownish staining. I quickly put the remaining egg back, but after the last few sunny days I hope it may have hatched. Thanks one and all - Susan |
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