Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, again,

well, I went ahead and purchased an egg incubator for my box turtle eggs, of which I have 6. I have set the temperature to around 78-82 degrees, and used vermiculite for the eggs to sit on, making the "thumb impressions" as directed. Plus I have a bowl of water in the incubator. But, they have dents in them, and a few of them look like the dents in them might look like they are getting bigger. I mist them every day and OFTEN with distilled water. Is this OK? Should I be doing something else?
Thanks in advance for your time,

Nikki M

some good eggs get indented. go to turtletimes.com or turtleforum.com and post about it, it's either toomuch or too little humidity

how long have they been incubating? are they close to hatching? this happens often just before they hatch. I would recommend temps in the low 80's. you should not mist them that often! is there some reason your humidity is not holding any better? many people recommend distilled water, but due to some question of it carrying chemical contaminants if stored in plastic for extended periods, I do not keep it in plastic...or I use a natural spring water instead, and balance the pH with a simple quick test strip kit commonly used for pools. Distilled water is not supposed to leach off organic minerals from the body, only inorganic, but I still have doubts as to it's effects on the calcium of incubating eggs.
another question is are they fertile? were they disturbed too much or turned after being laid?

Mick
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"When tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign foe."

James Madison

Make sure that the vermiculite stays moist: I have encountered this problem because I had assumed that the vermiculite was retaining more moisture than it really was, and eggs were collapsing on the underside.

Another thing to consider, however, is that the eggs may not be fertile, which may result in the eggs just crimping or caving in.
Someone else may be able to offer other explanations: I', relating my personal experiences.

Stephanie

Ok, I suggest that in regards to the vermiculite, you have to "moisten" it BEFORE you use it. It should Clump when you squeeze it but NOT drip. When I get it to that stage, I cover the eggs completely with vermiculite. Humidity, If sealed, I find is maintained at a steady 70-80 percent. Temperature of 80 usually gives a mixture of sex.If at 84 degrees, mostly females. I don't go higher because I do not want to chance on killing the eggs. Some indentation is normal. NO need to mist everyday if the mixture of water with the vermiculite is right. No need to panic at this time. BUT the damage could have already been done. Depends on how long you have incubated them this way. You only misted the top half & the bottom was dry.
I have had many eggs hatch with small indentations. If the indentation is very large - (lets say 1/3) I wouldn't get my hopes up. I've incubated many, many eggs. I always keep a large bag of vermiculite available. I think its a 40 quart bag I go through every few years. BTW, I suggest you make a mark on the egg that is face up. This way when you move them, you put it in the proper position or you'll wind up killing the egg. Good luck.