Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Went downstairs this morning and found 1 out of 27 eggs hatched. Baby appears physically healthy, however was laying in incubator barely moving. I know its normal to still have egg sack attached however the amount this baby had seemed like alot. I cant help but think the dragon prematurly hatched. Has this happened to anyone else? A dragon hatching all on its own before it is ready to do so?

How long were they incubating for and at what temp?

Today is day 54. Temporature fluxuates between 85 and 86.

Hey Ryan,

That is a tad bit early, and could explain the unabsorbed yolk. I have had that happen before, not too often, but when it did happen it was always with later clutches. This is your girls third right? I am not sure of the biological reasons for that, but it happens. Let the baby stay in the incubator until the yolk is absorbed all the way. They ones I have had hatch that way have all done fine.
Also, I should say that I have had clutches hatch early and be normal hatchlings, but they were always the first clutch of the season, and often in first or second year females who were in prime breeding condition.
And one more thing, I would say that temp is a degree or two higher than I would normally incubate, but I have had that happen before too without any adverse effects. Once I even had the incubator spiking at 90 degrees in the middle of the day and I was at school so I didn't realize it, and nothing bad happened to the babies.

Phil L

Most of mine hatch around 55 days , so a day early would be considered on time. the others will probably start to hatch soon too . . .

edit to my last post , I ment to say start at 55 days . . . Up till about 65 days

Higher incubation temps could result in faster development , but a higher risk of fatality too . . .

Thanks guys. I guess ill just leave the one hatchling in there untill the yolk has been better absorbed. Thanks for the advice.

Just make sure that the yolk sack can't get stuck onto something.

I would put him in a seperate container (plastic shoe box) in the incubator with some moist paper towel for the next 24 hours or so.

Once home the baby was moving around and had either lost or absorbed the rest of yolk. One more hatched this morning...I have left them both in there...I like your idea though Chris about a seperate container in the incubator. I think I will do that when home from work. Thanks for the advice guys.