Snakes that lay eggs fall under the category of oviparous. The rest belong to the ovoviviparous group, in these snakes, the eggs are incubated inside the female's body. Boas, garter snakes, and rattlesnakes are some examples of this group. Kingsnakes, pine snakes, pythons, and milk snakes are some of the snakes that lay eggs. Some snakes stay with the eggs until they hatch, while many are known to abandon the eggs after laying them.
A female snake lays about 1 to 100 eggs at a time. The eggs are laid in dark places, and the snake digs under loose soil. They are oblong in shape, and may be white, off-white, or beige in color. High temperatures help with their incubation. Their appearance, number, and incubation period are different for different species.
Here, we take you through some facts about snake eggs and tips to identify them.
Facts About Snake Eggs
Snakes living in colder areas mate in the late spring or early summer. Those in tropical areas mate any time of the year. Some snake breeds reproduce once in a year, while others reproduce once in three years.
Generally, they look for dips in the earth to lay eggs. If the mother snake does not find any warm dips to lay her eggs, she may lay them anywhere, in which case, they are left to die.
Depending on the breed of the snake, they lay approximately six to hundred eggs at a time. Most snake species abandon the eggs once they are laid.
Some female snakes naturally incubate the eggs by brooding around them. They not only brood over the eggs, but also shiver to give heat to them.
Generally, the probability of snake eggs dying is high, and that's because their shell is leathery, and not tough. Turning and rolling over these eggs can injure or kill the embryo inside.
The time required for a snake egg to hatch differs with its breed. But most snake eggs hatch in around 60 days. As the baby inside the egg grows, the egg also grows in size. The eggs become oval in shape when they are close to hatching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell a snake egg from a bird egg?
A snake egg has a soft, leathery shell and an oblong shape, while a bird egg is hard. Snakes also lay larger clutches than birds.
How long does it take for a snake egg to hatch?
It depends on the species, but most snake eggs hatch in around 60 days. Warm temperatures help them develop.
How many eggs does a snake lay at once?
A female snake lays about 1 to 100 eggs at a time, depending on the species. Many snakes lay roughly six to a hundred eggs.
Do all snakes lay eggs?
No. About 70% of snake species lay eggs (they are oviparous), while the other 30% give birth to live young (they are ovoviviparous).
As compared to bird eggs, snake eggs are oblong. And while bird eggs are hard, snake eggs are soft. The clutches (a group of all the eggs laid at one time) of snake eggs are larger than those of birds. The baby snake breaks the egg shell with its egg tooth. This tooth falls off once the baby comes out of the shell.
Snake Eggs vs. Bird Eggs
Found an egg and not sure what laid it? These two simple pictures sum up the difference between a reptile's egg and a bird's.
🐍 Snake egg
- Oblong, longer than it is wide
- Soft & leathery shell that gives when pressed
- Laid in large clutches (up to 100)
- White, off-white, or beige
🐦 Bird egg
- More rounded in shape
- Hard, brittle shell that cracks
- Laid in smaller clutches
- Many colors and speckles
Take the Snake Egg Detective Quiz!
5 quick questions. Can you tell a snake egg from a bird egg?
Identification Tips
So you have found an egg and want to know if a snake laid it. Here is how to check, gently, because the eggs are fragile.
🔎 How to identify a snake egg
- Feel the shell. Gently feel the cover of the egg. If the shell is hard and tough, then it is not a snake's. Snake eggs have a leathery and soft cover.
- Hold it up to a light. Slowly carry the egg into a dark room and hold the egg against a light source (like a torch or a small bulb). After holding the egg against light, check for the shadow of a ball-shaped embryo. A round-shaped embryo indicates that the egg is of a snake.
- Ask an expert. Another way is to get the egg checked by a local pest control center. They will not only confirm if it is a snake egg or not, but also identify the snake's breed.
If you happen to spot snake eggs, contact the right authorities to ensure their safety. Remember, they are delicate. Rough handling can damage the eggs.
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Fun fact for today!A snake egg has a soft, leathery shell, gently press one and it gives, instead of cracking like a chicken egg.