How long still? [C. atrox gestation]

[asmit]

Hi there all,

I have a question.

My western diamond backs mated on the 20th of June this year and the female are massive. I know it takes anything from 4-6 months before they give birth, but i need to know? Will she shed before she gives birth and does anybody know how long it really takes before they give birth. I tried google and did not find anything indicating times and shed patterns and all that stuff.

I am hoping to have some Albino babies from this litter. The male is Albino and the female is a het albino import from Germany.

Thank you all

[Van2]

Hi asmit.

Try Venomland.com. There are a couple of Crotalus experts there and they are not shy to share their experiences and/or advice.

Good luck and don't forget to post some pics!

[marc bt]

Asmit, your female should go into the blue soon which means she will have what is known as a pre-lay shed but obviously she won't lay any eggs. After she sheds you should expect babies after about 10 days.
Good luck!

[asmit]

Hi all

My Big Girl finally shed yesterday.

So now I am counting the days.

I am so excited!

Will keep you guys updated on the babies.

[rolandslf]

asmit - post the pics of her before and after birth please.

[@ndy]

Good luck Asmit

[asmit]

Hi there Guys,

Its been 20 days from her shed and she is still very fat every time I walk past the cage she looks at me like i need to give her something, so i gave her food. She took it immediately and pooped two days after the feeding. It was fast for her! I take it she used most of the food for the babies?

Has anybody had the same Experience? Where there rattlers are so close to giving birth and still eating? I will take Photos a bit later and post them I am sure she is pregnant!

She was on a normal eating routine before she shed on the 7th of this month and then I stopped feeding her. I usually feed her 2 rats hoppers at a time every two weeks and the last 3 months she gained weight like crazy! so I am sure of this pregnancy and she can not be over weight.

[Bushviper]

If a female wants to feed then you should feed her. Just offer her smaller food items.

[asmit]

Hi Guys,

Okay here are the photos of my big girl!

I had to wait the whole day for her to come out the hide box!

[eyelash viper]

Hey there is ur male still in her cage? or maybe you should put lay box in or just some moss in her hide box? im no expert but these have worked for me in the past

[marc bt]

@eyelash viper: Rattlesnakes give live birth therefore she will not need a lay box and it is not a huge issue if the male is in the cage but it may help when the babies are born if he is not in the cage as there will be many snapping mouths that could tag you.

[asmit]

Thank you guys,

I took the male out about a month ago.

My question is: Is she pregnant? how long after her shed is the norm to give birth?

Many thanks

[marc bt]

By the look of things she looks well pregnant. I am not sure when she will give birth though but it is sure to happen soon.

[froot]

An exciting day awaits you.

[Quintin van Deventer]

Asmid, What is the tempreture in the enclosure? Had a simeler problem with a Poffie, She took about 8-9 mounths before she gave birth and it was a huge litter.