Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my first clutch of eggs incubated, but when they were laid my female laid them slightly out of the nest box and they got covered with sand. Its pretty hard for me to candle them with sand covering the surfaces of both eggs. Is there anything I can do?

what incubation substrate are u useing did u just put them in the incubator! if not i would just gently brush the sand of with a paint brush

Yes, they are already in the incubator. I'm using Hatch Rite.

Realize that first time eggs sometimes are infertile. Also, depending on how you have your lay box, the female laying outside the box is a sign that there may be something not right with the eggs.
The above is meant to set expectations. HOWEVER, always incubate eggs unless they are obviously bad from the start.
I too would gently wipe off the sand and incubate. Do you really need to candle the eggs?
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Wally
Web Site: Supreme Gecko
e-mail: Supreme Gecko e-mail

Well I'd obviously like to have some idea if they were fertile or not, but no I wouldn't say I HAVE to be able to candle them. Would there be any point in time when the sand would wipe off easily or will it remain stuck to the eggs throughout incubation?

I used to use sand and it would get kicked on to freshly laid eggs and it was never a problem. It is neat to see a baby develope and twitch in the egg but i have never done it to mine. My rule is set em up and dont bug them unless you have to. I have a hugely successful hatch rate, not to brag(i am not that cool), but i think i owe a lot to forced patience