Reproductive problems in snakes

The reproductive system is responsible for the production of sperm or eggs, for mating, and also the development of offspring, and it varies depending on whether your snake is male or female. Even if your snake lives alone the reproductive system is still active and can develop problems.

Determining whether your snake is male or female is performed by probing; this is where a small metal stick is inserted into the vent to find the hemipenes (penises).

In the male, the probe travels more than six scales and in the female less than six scales.

Probing must only be performed by an experienced veterinarian.

Male snakes have two testicles which produce sperm; they are inside the body near the kidneys. Instead of having one penis like mammals, they have two. These are called hemipenes and are found inside the vent. Only one hemipene is used at a time for mating. The hemipenes do not carry urine in the way that a mammal’s penis does.

The hemipenes are normally inside the vent and only come out for mating. When  mating occurs the hemipenes will fill with blood and project out of the vent. If a hemipene gets stuck outside the body this is known as a prolapse; a prolapsed hemipene can become damaged and infected.

If you think your snake has a prolapsed hemipene he needs to go to the veterinary practice. If the hemipene has suffered a lot of damage or has become infected he may need to have an operation to remove it. While awaiting taking your snake to the veterinary practice try sitting your snake in lukewarm water but do not attempt to push it back in as you may cause damage.

Sometimes a hemipene can become impacted with hard pus, forming an abscess which is a common condition in male snakes.

To avoid this condition it is important to keep your snake’s house at the correct temperature, and a good balanced diet will promote a healthy immune system, helping to fight infection.

If you suspect your snake has an abscessed hemipene you will need to take him to the veterinary practice. He may need to undergo a surgical operation under general anesthesia to remove the abscess or the hemipene. If a snake does need to have a hemipene removed he will still be able to breed, as he will be able to use his other hemipene.

Female snakes have two ovaries which produce eggs; these are found inside the body near the kidneys. They also have two oviducts that are tubes along which the eggs are transported to the urodeum area of the vent. Some snakes have only one ovary and uterine horn.

Snakes tend to lay large numbers of rubbery eggs. If the male and female successfully mate, the eggs will hatch in approximately 40-60 days depending on the species. However, female snakes can produce eggs without mating and sometimes this can lead to problems. There are examples of babies being born without eggs being laid such as the Boa family.

Follicular stasis is a condition which occurs when the eggs do not develop properly and are without a shell. These undeveloped eggs remain inside the body and can make an affected snake very ill. Follicular stasis can only be corrected by spaying, an operation to remove the ovaries and oviducts. This operation can only be performed under general anesthetic and means she can no longer reproduce, but this is the only treatment for follicular stasis.

Egg binding is more common in female snakes; this is where the eggs have been made and are fully developed but they become stuck inside the body and cannot be laid. This can be treated medically by the veterinary surgeon but is sometimes not effective and the eggs need to be removed surgically under general anesthetic.

Your snake’s housing must be kept at the correct temperature; if it is too cold her body will struggle to make and lay eggs. Dehydration will also make it very difficult for your snake to lay eggs. Calcium needs to be added more regularly to the food and it is important to check that there is adequate UV light. Researching the amounts of calcium for your particular species of snake is advised is she is reproducing to ensure she does not become unwell from inadequate levels.

Producing eggs uses a large amount of energy, so ensure your snake has an adequate and balanced diet. Your snake will also need a hiding place in her house with plenty of substrate (bedding) which allows her to dig holes where she will bury her eggs.

Egg bound snakes need an operation to remove the retained eggs from the body.

Weekly weighing is a good indication to allow you to monitor if your snake has egg or follicle related problems.

If your snake develops any egg-related problems she will need to visit a veterinarian.