Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was going to email you , since you guys are the ones who also have C. Vestiguim, but thought it may be of much value to others to discuss this on the forum. (since thats what it is for)

I think I have lost my 2nd Vestiguim egg, so sad as it was due to hatch this week.
It started to crator or dent a bit 3 days ago, I would look thru the incubator window and see the dent.

If I opened the incubator and would lightly feel it, is was very soft, but as the air would hit it would mysteriously PLUMP back up and feel firm, as I was standing there within seconds.

Just to again dent or cave a bit when the incubator was closed again.
I have not touched the egg yet, I would think since it grew the whole time, there MUST be a lizard in there (dead) now I believe

I think it was Johneee who said to me if the lizards are dying it could be too much water. I have only filled the bottom valley of the incubator. Same amount of water as was in there when the first Vestiguim hatched.
The vermiculite was dampened lightly when they first went in.

I'm dissapointed to say the least, but more importantly I would like to get this down, as to not have a little one perish so close to hatching.

Don't see WHY the one hatches and the one does not, in the same conditions ?

Any thoughts, any suggestions, ANY ANYTHING

Thanks !

Eve
-----
___

Eve

both in terms of the scenario you described with the latest egg, and in finding partially (or even fully) developed, deceased collared lizard embryos inside eggs that never hatched out. I have personally had the misfortune of witnessing this on occasion with both C. vestigium and C. dickersonae eggs. How many days has your current C. vestigium egg been in incubation? The possibility still exists that it could be okay...

As for a likely explanation why some eggs successfully hatch while others incubated under "identical" conditions do not, I'm afraid I don't have an answer for you. One POSSIBLE cause in at least some cases could involve a defect or flaw in the formation/structure of the "bad" eggs themselves. For example, inadequate calcium/vitamin synthesis in gravid females could perhaps effect the permeability of selected eggs, thereby making the developing embryos more vulnerable to minor fluctuations in temperature, humidity, etc. Just a thought...

Keep us updated on how things turn out, Eve. Good luck!

Brock

So then I suppose this is just something I will see from time to time if I continue to work with/ breed this species or any species for that matter.

I have been going over everything in my head, trying to figure what might have been different.

You asked how long the egg has been incubating, the time is not up yet Brock, its about 63 days, but 3 days ago started to dent in and become soft.

Has not really changed, so I'm not real encouraged. I know sometimes they still hatch, so I will leave it. Just dont know why it would have gotten soft and dented, that many days ago.

Up until then it was nice and full, had that firm but a little give type feel they have when alive. So frustrating when your a week away, from hatch time and something goes wrong.

Well, Have to keep trying to get everybody at their optimal health and continue on!

I will let you know ! Thanks Brock.

PS How are your Dickersonae hatchlings?
-----
___

Eve