Your right, sometimes stuff happens.

In this case, its more possible the eggs was moved exactly at the wrong time.(or it moved on its own) Normally, the sac and zygote are in a position that's safe. Or we would see this all the time.

It must have occurred very early in development. Normally after there is some size to the embryo, the snake is strong enough to not have a problem. This one did have a problem.

I do agree with others, better pics are in order, ones on paper towels, so we can see the whole thing.

In this case, it may have been the cord that caused the problem. But in the thousands upon thousands of colubrids I have hatched, I cannot say, I can contribute the cord to any of malfunctions in development, and there were some.

In the eggs I studied, the embryo does not crawl or move. It can twitch. Movement is only late in development. So getting tangled up on its own accord is not likely.

Normally when these type eggs are laid, the embryo migrates to the highest part of the eggs. I would think it was here the damage occurred.

IT could also have occurred if the eggs were held to long. Normally the embryo is in the middle of the egg until its deposited, I imagine its that way so it can safely pass out of the female.

Also, please, the problem with many of the folks on this site is, its either A or Z. When in fact, In all reality, its rarely A or Z. best wishes

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