Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently have a clutch that is hatching 3 of the snakes are out 2 remain in the eggs for a clutch of 5. 2 normals and 3 spiders.

The problem I am having is that some of the snakes are coming out of the eggs with something like eye caps it something I have never seen.

3 of the snakes are like this so far, 2 out of the eggs and one still in the egg. The 2 that are out of the eggs have been out for 2 days now.

The snakes cannot see… 2 spiders and one normal both have this problem.

I have one normal that’s eyes are fine and the last one is still in the egg.

I honestly have no clue what to do?? I was thinking was yoke or something I very carefully tried wiping it off both of the 2 snakes with no luck.

I don’t have any experience in this, since I have never seen this before.

And one of the spiders has its hemipenes hanging out???

No clue what to do. This is a major first for me with these experiences.

Any knowledge, expertise help would be greatly appreciated!!

I have pictures also.

Thank you so much

You'll get a lot more accurate responses if you post your photos. Without them all we have to go on is your description and you are only going to get people's "best guess".

Even with the pictures there may not be any advise anyone can give other than to bring it to a qualified herp vet. I have never heard of ball pythons hatching with anything closely resembling eye caps so I really can't help you there.

As far as the hemipene goes... did you pop him? When they first hatch the males don't have a lot of muscle tone that would allow them the keep the hemipenes in (that's why it's easiest to pop hatchlings). If you popped him, you may have done it with too much force, possibly causing damage to the muscles that retract the hemipene back inside. However, if you didn't pop him, it may be something that "clears up" on it's own as he gains greater muscle control. Keep an eye on it and watch for signs of irritation or infection.

You might want to try to pop him again (gently of course) and see if that causes him to clench those muscles enough to pull the pene back in. - Just an idea, not sure how much it is worth.

Post your pictures and I'm sure the community will do their best to assess your situation.
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"...I say 'apparently' because despite all our progress she is not at all a tame or handle-able snake and gettting her from that cage would re-start a war.. and we've had a good armistice for several months now."-Gus Rentfro - I love this quote!