Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My first ever eggs are on day 22. So far I havent disturbed them since the day they were laid. I can't stand it any longer I have to see whats in there. I know not to turn them, and how to candle them. What am I supposed to see at this point of developement. Also when do you guys candle if ever and how often. Thanks for any advise. How do you guys wait 60 days without going crazy? My wife is about to kill me if I don't quit talking snakes. Thank goodness I,ve got this forum to keep me busy.

First off congrats on the eggs and I hear what your saying as it is a very exciting time! When you candle your eggs you are looking to see if they are fertile... this easily done because a fertile egg will show redish/deep pink veins running through it. An egg that is not fertile will show no veins and appear to be just plain white.
Now an egg that is bad for whatever reason will appear to be deep orangish yellow and sickly looking when candled. If you wish to look at actuall eggs here is a link that has some very good pictures!

www.homestead.com/shilala/candling.html

I believe this website show chicken eggs but the pictures provide a good visual refrence as to what you could/should be looking for.

As for how often to candle? I am currently sitting on a clutch of 8 western hognose eggs and I have candled 2 times... once after the first 30 days and once since so my wife could see them. Other than misting and periodic checking I believe in not disturbing the eggs unless absoloutly needed.

My Email

Feel free to drop me a line if ya have any more questions. And I hope this helped answer your questions.

Charles
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I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves.
August Strindberg (1849 - 1912), A Madman's Diary, 1895

Thanks for the info. I candled them last night and eveything looks great. I guess now im just gonna have to wait it out.

I try not to candle. Instead I check the eggs once or twice a week to be sure they aren't drying out. That's enough messing with them for me.

When the urge to candle gets too bad, take your wife out dancing or to a show. It will get you away from the eggs, and your wife will think you are a wonderful person. 8-)

Herpers need glacial patience.

Paul Hollander

Thanks for the info Paul. I don't plan to candle again. They look great. One thing I've learned reading this forum, is when Paul Hollander speaks I listen. The information you give is right on and I respect all you guys here. Thanks again.