Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well its been 6 days since her shed and she is spending a lot of time in her nesting box. If i am not there to see her lay (because i have school) how long can the eggs be laying out before they go in the incubator before they die. and when they are in the incubator how many times should i put water in the vermiculite and how much water???

The vermiculite only needs to be slighty damp.

If you are away for any length of time your biggest concern should be the female eating her eggs. Otherwise they will be fine until you get back.

Just check in the a.m. and before you turn in.
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"Yeah ya told me, and ya wrote it down too. But how the hell am I supposed to remember!"

k thanks for the reply. She is so fat she looks like she is going to explode haha. So ill dampen the vermiculite like once a week or so if that. I have the incubator all set up so im ready.

You shouldn't have to dampen it every week. I've had mine going for right at a month now and have not had to add any water at all. Pick up a good corn snake manual (Kathy Loves is in most pet stores) that explains how to set up your egg box. It's the same with kings as with corns. I use 5 parts vericulite/perlite mix to one part water. Other people use equal amount of substrate to water by WEIGHT (not volume). Let the substrate/water mix sit for a few hours before deciding if it needs more water. About a day after mixing it grab a handful and squeeze it (not real hard). If it remains mostly in a packed shape the shape of your fist then it is fine. If it totally crumbles out of your hand then it is too dry. You can use this method of squeezing it during the entire incubation period. It's always better to be a little too dry than too wet.

we are talking about laying(not incub.) and possible absenteeism .
keep the lay box moist,remove water bowl,and if inclined moisten all substrait (remove fecal matter first)she will lay where she wants and the eggs wont dry to point of no return,and will be fine for days unless shes an egg eatter possible not probable.dont worry just keep temps below mid eighties.Chris

my bad!!