Reptile & Amphibian Forums

nest boxes in the incubator have condensation built up on the bottom of the tops. I've herd not to spray water directly onto the eggs but what of condensation dripping on them?

Why do you have tops on the nest boxes? If you remove the tops, you won't have to worry about it at all. In truth, I don't think you have to worry about a few drops of water if that is all you are talking about.

I was following what Don Soderberg had written in his book on incubating corn eggs. I just went a head and wiped it all off and placed the top lightly back on the box. But you are probably right. I'm starting to think that I don't need the top. I placed another egg box in there with no top and no eggs so I can see how well it does before I take the top off of the box with eggs.

If your eggs are set up in some type of container with a top on it which many breeders eggs are including myself, just wipe the water off it before it gets to the point where it is going to drip in the eggs. An occaisonal drip on eggs is alright but much more is not good on most species eggs and a single drip is not good for some. A good way to tell when the incubation medium is getting too dry is when condensation stops forming after a day or two has passed after cleaning it off. Just my opinion. Randy W.

Or - you could just bury your eggs in the incubation medium, entirely. I use sphagnum moss, and keep a thick layer on top of the eggs, which will absorb any condensation on the underside of the lid, thus preventing eggs from absorbing too much water. I make a pad of the moss, which I can easily lift to check on the eggs.

-Toby