Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HEY EVERYONE!! so exciting!

My female normal laid 19 eggs (14 good, 5 slugs) 4/22, and the first baby pipped just this afternoon!!!!

questions:
1.) I moved the egg container in all my excitement and the little guy hasn't moved much since, how long does the hatching process, on average, take?

2.) Is it true the others will start about the same time as this one?

3.) How long is too long to take for hatching? (i.e. if/when should I assist a struggling hatchling?)

anything else I should know??? I'll have pics soon!

> My female normal laid 19 eggs (14 good, 5 slugs) 4/22, and
> the first baby pipped just this afternoon!!!!

Congratulations!!

questions:
1.) I moved the egg container in all my excitement and the little guy hasn't moved much since, how long does the hatching process, on average, take?

--Mine tried to hide in their shells every time I bothered them too. Don't worry, they'll come out. Usually, they'll pop their head out but remain in the egg for 12 to 24 hours to absorb the last of the nutrients before coming out.

2.) Is it true the others will start about the same time as this one?

--Yes! If the eggs were laid about the same time and were incubated all at the same temperature, they should hatch at the same time. Mine 3 pipped 4 hours apart on the same day.

3.) How long is too long to take for hatching? (i.e. if/when should I assist a struggling hatchling?)

I'd say if some were unhatched 2 days after the last one hatched that you might want to gently snip the shell. However, someone with more experience can probably give you advice.