Reptile & Amphibian Forums

so I see advertisements and postings for the S.I.M. Incubation containers. My question is, has anyone tried them? Not only that but what about using egg crate in regular old containers. Im not sure there's much difference but I'd like to know what everyone else thinks.
-JT

I'm guessing that means "suspended incubation"?

I've heard it said that "humid but dry" is the best for eggs, meaning humid air but dry substrate. The suspension method was devised to approach that condition.

They use plastic "egg crate" light diffuser material among other things with the wet substrate below. Eggs are suspended above the wet substrate. Clever, inexpensive idea.

Seems to work very well for python eggs like Antaresia pythons whos eggs tend to absorb water easily and do best when not touching a wet substrate. Colubrid eggs do not need that method persay, but it works for them too.
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Mark

thank you for the fast response, I guess my biggest issue is that last years eggs didn't hatch and I am looking or more of a sure fire way to keep the same problems from occurring. The biggest issue seemed to be desiccation. Long story short I worry too much. I suppose in that regard worry and experience go hand in hand as this will be my first full cycle of brumating, pairing, and hatching. So, wish me luck. this year should be some incredible babies.

~JT

Kingsnake and milksnake eggs tend to dry out quickly if not humid enough, but they are also quite tolerant of imperfect conditions, at least temporary imperfect conditions.

When I first tried hatching eggs many years ago, I did not know how. Surprisingly, all the eggs hatched. I would spray water right on them if they looked dry, and I gave them lots of air exchange each day because I was worried all the water might clog the air exchange capability. In spite of me, they hatched (Cal kings, Sinaloans). This tells me that the eggs are not overly sensitive compared to say python eggs.

Are you sure yours dried out? Were they all caved in early on? Or were they really plump? Too much water pressure inside the egg can cause problems.

I took one egg to my daughter's summer school class, placed it in a plastic container with a wet paper towel which I moistened as needed. Left it at room temp, which fluctuated day to night. Egg hatched. Like I say, king/milk eggs are not very fussy about conditions as long as they aren't too dry for too long or too wet for too long.
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Mark

Short version of the story is I had an incubator with a t-stat that I bought from one of the big suppliers. After using it for a long time I realized I had not checked the t-stat that came with it to see how accurate it was. It wasn't. It was off 5 degrees so it strung out the incubation time. Other than that I know the vermiculite I used was way too dry. I didn't do anything more than spray the top with water. The ambient humidity was 100% but much like a sponge I'm sure the vermiculite pulled moisture from the eggs. Live and learn I suppose. My fingers are crossed for this year though.