Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What a pain it is to search, so I apologize in advance for what I'm sure is a repeat question....
What is an optimum incubation temp for cornsnakes?

They can be successfully hatched at a fairly wide range of temps, but I like to shoot for about 80 to 81 degrees. This allows for a slight buffer if something should change regarding the surrounding air temps if it should get a couple degrees warmer for whatever reason. Also, I think it is much safer to go for slightly cooler temps as opposed to warmer ones to lessen the chances of any defects. Generally speaking, hatchlings probably tend to absorb and utilize their yolk a bit more efficiently when temps are not quite as warm too. Many seem to think that neonates incubated at slightly cooler temps tend to be a bit more robust in size as well.

In my opinion, when the eggs start getting into the mid 80's, this could easily start to be a problem for the developing embryos. It will take a few more days for them to hatch as opposed to higher temps, but I think it is much safer this way, and well worth the simple precaution.

~Doug

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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Thank you.....makes A LOT of sense!!!

You're welcome!

I have talked about this with many people, and most all of them also tend to think it makes good sense. Too many possibilities can go wrong otherwise, and I can't come up with a single drawback for incubating at 80 to 81. I have heard too many horror stories about things getting too warm for different reasons to not shoot for a "target temp" of a couple degrees on the safer side.

~Doug
-----
"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com