Confused

Question

Do female corn snakes lay eggs even when thier mate had passed away?
I have a almost adult female snow corn snake that has laid eggs her third
time now and I'm guessing thier unfertalized. Do they ovulate or something?

Thank you.

- Kimberly


Answer
OK, lots of questions there, I'll try to put them in order.  

Snakes (including corns) do ovulate, which is to release eggs from the ovary.  If there is sperm present the eggs can be fertilized.  And yes, female snakes can and do store sperm.  One mating can lead to several fertile clutches of eggs.  So, don't automatically assume your snake's eggs are infertile.  If they are bright white and stay that way they are probably on their way to hatching.

I'm assuming when you say for the third time you mean in the last year.  If so, you must have a very healthy and well fed snake! If that is what you mean you may be noticing that the size and number of eggs is getting smaller.  That is normal.  But again, if they are bright white, they are probably fertile.  Incubate at 88 degrees and in 60 days you should be a grandma!  Have fun.