Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a problem with a professional Lab-Line incubator that I was using for two clutches of eggs, one clutch of 18 IJCPs and a clutch of 12 Womas. The unit was not set up exactly right temp wise when I put the IJs in, and it was too low, about 84F. It was at that figure for about 2 weeks, then I put the Womas in for about a week. I rechecked the temps a week after that and readjusted them to what I thought was about 89F. Came back the next morning and checked the temps and noticed with a temp gun that it was actually 101F! 10 hrs at the high temp. I removed the eggs for a cool-down and adjusted the temp to 89F, confirmed with the temp gun.

I was more concerned about the IJs because they had been incubating longer, but was also concerned about the Womas. All the eggs went full term except for 2 IJ eggs that went bad about 2 weeks after the incident. Out of the 16 remaining, 13 hatched w/no issues. One that didn't was opened up and did not have any eyes. The other two were full-term, but dead in the egg. ALL 12 Womas hatched perfectly. I can only think that the temp spike was not long enough to cause any real damage, an opinion also shared by my snake vet.

Anyone else with similar problems?
-----
1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma
4.2 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.1 Bloods
1.1 Balls
2.2 IJ Carpets
1.0 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.2 F2 Carpondros
2.0 Jungle Carpet
0.1 Carpondro
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
.1 Brazilian Rainbow boas
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

Your temp spike must have happened at a time that the "window" exists that it was not a teratogen to the snakes. At certain times during incubation there is what seems to be a period of time when such temp variations cause no problems to the snakes in the eggs. In fact the isolated factors you describe may not be related to the temp spike. I would think you would have had more problems then that if it was the culprit.

I don't think it was a matter of long enough, I think it happened at a time where no major organogenesis was taking place and therefore did not adversely effect the embryos.

Interesting stuff!!!!!
-----
=========================================================
Roberts Realm Of Reptile Research
=========================================================
Thanks,

I opened my mouth and out flowed a melody black.

That's interesting stuff, especially since one of my concerns w/ womas has been incubating at temps too high...I now realize that proper humidity was a key factor in past failures and recent success, more than the temps.
-----
"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

Mike, alhough Womas come from some of the driest areas on OZ, eggs are probably laid in burrows with the humidity rather constant.
-----
1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma
4.2 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.1 Bloods
1.1 Balls
2.2 IJ Carpets
1.0 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.2 F2 Carpondros
2.0 Jungle Carpet
0.1 Carpondro
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
.1 Brazilian Rainbow boas
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

I have often thought of that. But, I find it hard to believe that in the dry deserts of Australia, the humidity in a burrow would be in the 80 plus percent. I have thought about the idea that the humidity in incubators are kept too high.