Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have some Bairdi eggs,laid 35 days ago in a long stuck together string.Unfortunately, some look moldy,and it seems to be spreading slowly to adjacent eggs.

One reference material I have suggests using a 10% Listerine solution to prevent mold but it is the only place I've seen this.

Does it work and is it safe? Thanks.
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Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

It may work - however, there may be chemicals in that product that may have no effect on the fungus while potentially harming the embryos (alcohol comes to mind!). Also, liquids can permeate the eggshell quickly, impacting the embryo without affecting the mold.

A more specific treatment that you can try is any common drugstore anti-fungal powder (mold is a fungus). You may want to try different types on 1 egg each to see which works best, then treat them all with the most effective. You want to use a very small amount of powder - just enough for a light dusting. Perhaps you could put some in an old peppershaker?

Moldy eggs can and often do produce viable babies, but there is an increased risk of odd teratogenetic effects (as opposed to genetic mutations) such as abberent color and pattern.

Good Luck!

John D
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I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

Hi LLoyd,
I take it you're back in the US again??!! Hope the travel went well.
I've had some decent luck with similar questions over on the KS "Herp Health & Breeding " forum.
Good luck.
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Regards, Bill McGighan

Back Friday,Bill.Tired but I had fun.I'll try crossposting the question to that forum.Thanks.
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Lloyd Heilbrunn

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.

just sprinkle on a tiny amount........