Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I was wondering how other people set up their incubators. I'm using a 30gallon cooler with heat tape on the bottom and a few water bottles for a heat sink. I put the eggs in plastic shoe boz with perlite, water is then filled to about 3/4" from the top. The problem is I can't seem to keep condensation from dripping onto the eggs, which in turn ruins them. I did just add spagnum moss over the eggs to hopefully absorb the condensation. What does anyone else do for this? I've lost more eggs then I would have liked trying to come up with ides to stop it. the clutch went from 14 down to 6 left. I never had this problem with my corn and king eggs before. Well thanks for any help guys.

I have hatched many different python eggs in an incubator similar to what you are using. I actually am incubating my first clutch of blood python eggs as we speak. I have never had any problems with condensation on the eggs damaging them. I actually sprayed my python eggs with water that was kept in the incubator so the temps were the same. I have my eggs in a igloo cooler with about 3" of water in the bottom, the eggs are in a clear sweater box on paper towels that is elevated above the water on a few large deli cups( I have also used bricks for this purpose). In the water I have a submersible aquarium heater to heat the water and raise the incubator to 100% humidity. My eggs have been in there for several weeks now and the temp has been at a constant 90.5 degrees. I can send you a pic if you would like to email me.
In this type of incubator I have hatched burmese, ball, and retics with no problems. The biggest trick I have had is when you first set up the incubator to get the temp right.
Good luck,
Kevin

The condesation should not hurt the eggs if it is incidental condensation (occasional dripping), but if enough of the egg is covered in condensation you may be drowning the eggs. Of course, you could be simply dealing with bad eggs that are finally turning. Even infertile eggs can look good for the first week or two.
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Well thanks for the replys guys! I still feel bad about loosing so many eggs. All the eggs did have good looking blood vessels for the first few days. Then they started turning blue, green and smelling really bad. Oh well though, maybe I'll do better next year.