Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My ball python layed a clutch of 8 eggs two days ago. I have placed them in a homemade incubator which i have used serval times without problem. My first question is:

These eggs appear to be firm and healthy but they don't look as 'clean' or smooth as eggs I see in photos. Instead they look like bumpy potatoes, is this normal? I noticed that they look more 'normal' the day first day as opposed to now, would there be a cause for this?

Also, I have been maintianing the incubator at approx. 88-89 degrees but i feels really hot in there, i'm going to put another thermometer in there to double check that the right temp is being read. My question is what are the signs that eggs are over heating and is the related to the potato appearance of the eggs in any way? thanks

...Q#1) Without picts in this case it's a bit hard to be specific but in most cases if they're fertile (candle the eggs to see if they're vascularized) they should be OK. If water is dripping on them excessively from condensation this could lead to puffy spots and that should be corrected (ie, lower the humidity a bit or put a loose cover over the eggs so condensation drips on the cover not the eggs).

Q#2) if the heat is not too excessive (a few degrees) for a few days there is rarely a problem. A temp SPIKE of 5-10 degrees can adversely affect the growing embryos depending on when this spike occurs. Elevated temps of 5-10 degrees over an EXTENDED period of time not infrequently leads to developmental defects often manifested with spinal kinking, cleft palates, or incomplete closures of the imbilicus, or sometimes coloration defects. Temps in excess of 10 degrees over 89 for more than a day usually are fatal to the eggs, but not always. It is worse early in incubation, and more tolerable late in incubation.

I always use 2 thermometers nowadays to check against each other.

Hope this helps and good luck!
Scott J. Michaels DVM