gopher snake eggs

Question
My kids and I have caught 3 gopher snakes in our yard.  Today, one of them laid 5 eggs in a pile.  The snakes live in a large cage that has sand and shavings.  While being laid and after laying, all three snakes laid around the eggs.  I even moved one and it returned.  I am concerned about it being too warm and dry for the eggs.  Should they be separated and moved?  And to what environment?

Answer
Yes, I would remove the eggs.  Gopher snakes do not incubate their own eggs.  Remove them and pay attention to their orientation (keep topside topside).  Place in a container (old butter tubs work great-no air holes) with barely luke warm water and either vermiculite or perlite (available at most garden centers) you want the substrate damp but not wet (think rotting log).  Then find a place in your house or garage that is in the mid 80's and stays there, that is where you want to place the eggs.  89 is too hot.  Open the container 2x/week to exchange the air and you MIGHT need to add a little touch of water here and there.  In about 60 days they should hatch.  If they turn yellow or get moldy they are no good.  If one goes bad and you can EASILY remove it you can but don't ruin the others trying to do so.  Good Luck!

Yes, you mix the water and the substrate.  You want a moist (not wet) substrate.