Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all--
I have one tadpole left of a clutch of D. azureus eggs that seems to be completely developed. I read in a book that you should cut the tadpole out of the egg after it has lost the external gills. Is this true? Won't the tad come out on its own when it is ready? I'm asking this because last week another of my tadpoles apparently died in the egg after it looked like it had developed completely, and I'm wondering if I should have removed it. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Neal
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1.2 D. azureus

Neal,
I found that when I "assisted" the tadpoles from their jelly eggs, the chances of them being healthy and robust was less than if I left them alone. I don't know if they continue to receive some benefit from remaining in the capsule as long as possible; I tend to think they do.
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Scott Menigoz
Phelsuma: grandis, kochi, standingi, laticauda, v-nigra, mad mads and klemmeri
PDFs: azureus, citronella, alanis, terribilis, green& black auratus, cobalts, patricia, regina, leucomela, vents, Brazillian yellowheads, reticulatus and galactonotus
Over 100 Tads/young frogs of azureus, alanis and cobalts

Neil,

Overall, I let them brake out on their own. I will mist them with a stronger, larger spray when they get close to coming out of the egg, many times this trick will get them out. I only cut the egg open if I notice a color change. The egg mass will begin to appear milky. In the past I would leave them alone and end up loosing the tads...now, I am able to save them most of the time.

Melis
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Quality Captives