Eggs found in compost pile?HELP

[PIGROLL]

I have 10 eggs or so that are about an inch and a half and are white and rubbery feeling.The compost fence is a wire type with the holes being 2x4 inches.The eggs were in the pile and were covered with heavy grass and soil that was removed from the lawn recently so I am wondering what these eggs are as they were under quite a bit of weight.

[Lesley Jay]

I think they might be grass snake eggs. Eggs are laid in June / July, are leathery and measure up to 30mm. The grass snake likes compost heaps as the warmth acts as an incubator. They hatch in autumn. Grass snakes are harmless and are a protected species in the U.K. What have you done with the eggs?

[malcolmx]

most likely grass snake eggs (90%) leave alone and spray compost with water if it gets very dry totally harmless and fascinating to observe

[PIGROLL]

I am in New York!Are these snakes in NY?Thanks.The eggs are still in the compost bin and I have covered them up.It is an older pile and there is no heat,in fact it is soaking wet about where the eggs are.

[Lesley Jay]

Originally Posted by PIGROLL

I am in New York!

Yes, I thought you were!!

You won't find grass snakes in New York but there are quite a few snakes native to New York. Alot are livebearers but out of the ones that lay eggs I would go for the Milk Snake. They thrive in a variety of habitats including suburban areas, usually lay about 10 eggs in June / July in rotting logs or moist leaf litter. ( A compost heap is similar to leaf litter.) They hatch about August after 28 - 39 days and when hatched they are brightly coloured - oranges, reds, yellows and purples. They are harmless.

Keep your camera at the ready then we will be able to identify them properly when they hatch.

[Shellerz]

Do they look anything like this? Seems to fit your description....



these are grass snake eggs as suggested above.

[PlantingJoe]

We used to get grass snakes in the compost we kept in between our house and fence, small little area. They're cute

[Shellerz]

Apparently we have them in some areas of the UK, although i have never seen them.