Corn snakes have a cooler period of time that is naturally matched with the shorter length of days of winter. Experience over the years has shown us that this time doesn’t have to be exact or constant; it just has to be noticeably lower, so that your reproductive organs of corn snakes recognize it’s time to mate. The internal growth of female and male sex cells requires this cool time to rest.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

Corn snake egg laying periods

Corn snakes typically lay their eggs between 30 and forty-five days following mating. The typical time is about a week or two after the sheds that they had prenatally. The clutch can be laid anytime during either day or night. The process can last from one hour to two or three days in unusual instances. When it is realized that she’s laid the eggs then remove the egg out. If she’s very thin, then give her one or two fluffy mice, less than her own size to give her a small increase in her vision before she becomes completely opaque. Certain females are able to take these food items immediately, while others will not accept them.

A clutch may include anything from 10 to 30 eggs. 

Smaller or younger specimens are more likely to lay fewer eggs that are physically large. Eggs that are of high quality are very durable and are likely to hatch even if the eggs die and decay while clinging onto the eggs that are good. My preferred incubation medium is sphagnum-moss or coarse vermiculite. When the substrate is moist however not enough to allow water to drip as it is squeezed non-toxic, it can allow corn snakes to hatch eggs. Temperatures of up to 90°F appear to be the maximum temperature acceptable without causing mortality or birth defects; however, hatchlings are stronger when the eggs are placed within the lower to mid-80s.

Eggs are often damaged by denting inward for several days prior to hatching. If they start to dent earlier, they’re dry. If fungus or mold develops on the eggs or the substrate it could be because they are too wet and require airing out. The old saying is “Good eggs don’t go bad”; i.e. if the humidity and temperature are all right, the eggs will hatch.

Corn snake eggs laying inhabitant

Female corn snakes typically have between one and two clutches of eggs during a year. A clutch usually contains 12 eggs, however, females in their prime may have as many as 34 eggs within one egg clutch. While it is crucial to understand how often the corn snake will lay eggs and the number of eggs that there might be, several variables, such as temperature and seasons, will influence breeder selection. There’s more to consider other than numbers.

Deal with Corn snakes eggs

Corn snakes will sneak out of an area where they lay eggs with the appropriate temperature and humidity. If the female picks the location incorrectly eggs won’t hatch.

Since your snakes are in captivity the female does not have much space for her to lay eggs. This leaves their survival to you, the owner. Eggs require humidity and warmth, which is why placing them in incubators, is the best choice.