Egg Eating a.k.a Dasypeltis gansi & Dasypeltis fasciata
Intro to Egg Eating Snakes
Egg-eating snakes are unique reptiles that inhabit various regions across the globe. These snakes belong to the species Dasypeltis and are known for their unique feeding habits. Unlike most snakes, egg-eating snakes feed exclusively on bird eggs. These reptiles have evolved specially designed teeth and an elongated jaw to be able to swallow whole eggs. Found throughout Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula, the Dasypeltis species of egg-eating snakes are both captivating and intriguing. If you are considering becoming an owner of an egg-eating snake or have recently acquired one, this care guide will provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet. Egg eating snakes are collected from the wild and not recommended for beginner hobbyists.
Egg Eating Snake Care
They are relatively small in size, typically growing to anywhere between one to three feet long, making them ideal for keeping in small or medium sized cages. In terms of cage size, a simple plastic or glass tank measuring approximately 36 x 18 x 12 inches should be adequate for a solitary adult egg-eating snake. Clean water should be available at all times. Ensure that the enclosure has a secure fitted lid to prevent the snake from escaping. Always use a thermostat when adding heat.
One of the most important factors in caring for egg-eating snakes is temperature and humidity control. These require a warm, humid environment, so a heat source and a large water dish are essential components of their cage set-up. During the day, you should keep the temperature in the cage around 85-90°F and at night, it can drop to 75°F. The humidity level should be maintained between 50-60% and it is essential to regularly mist the enclosure. Monitor temperature with a temperature gauge and monitor humidity with a hydrometer. For substrate, a bedding optional is coconut coir mixed with sphagnum moss, cypress mulch, or coco husk chips. Use cork flats or hollow logs as hides. Lastly, egg-eating snakes need to be fed eggs. Egg eating snakes should be fed appropriate size button quail or quail eggs. It is crucial to provide them with appropriate sized eggs, they will not drink yolk from a plate!! You need to have access to different kinds and sizes of button quail and quail eggs. However, egg-eating snakes should only be fed once a week.
Egg Eating Snakes For Sale in the Pet Trade
Captive Bred Egg Eaters are rare but there are some dedicated hobbyist breeders and professionals working on increasing the number of CB egg eaters - definitely a step in the right direction! Egg eating snakes are usually available as wild caught animals and are not recommended for beginner hobbyists. The ethical collection and sustainability of species Imported and Exported are monitored by USFWS & CITES.
CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
How does CITES work?: https://cites.org/eng/disc/how.php
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