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African Egg Eating Snake
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African Egg Eating Snake Description |
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The African
Egg Eating Snake is not widespread in captivity. It
is a fascinating reptile and has very unique eating
habits. It does make a rare and impressive pet. It is
normally a nocturnal snake, spending its days hiding
in sheltered areas. Rocks or logs can provide a sheltered
hiding spot. In the wild, the eggs eaten by the African
Egg Eating Snakes are usually the ones laid by Weaver
birds. If in captivity, quail eggs will make up their
diet. Very adept at tree climbing, which enables them
to access birds' nests. Before they consume an egg,
they will first test the egg with their tongue to make
sure it is not rotten. It then will hold the egg in
its constricting coils as it pushes its head over the
egg. The African Egg Eating Snake can swallow eggs that
are up to three times the size of its head. After swallowing
the egg, pleated folds of gum tissure expand and contract
to suck the egg further inside the snake. A series of
tooth-like structures located at the back of the neck
pierce the egg as the African Egg Eating Snake bends
its head sharply. After the contents of the egg have
been evacuated through these piercings, the eggshell
will be regurgitated, flattened and emptied though whole.
For defense, the African Egg Eating Snake will do a
coil and straighten movements in rapid succession, rasping
or hissing noises, and occasionally striking out. Because
they lack teeth, bites from the African Egg Eating Snakes
are largely harmless. They are said to be relatively
docile, and no not make threatening or defensive displays. |
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