Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had about 4 hatchlings so far hatch with part of their intestines exposed. These are cal kings and I have them seperated and am keeping them moist so it doesn't dry out. What do I do? Is there something I am doing wrong that is causing this to happen? Are fruit flies in the incubator my culprete? Thanks!

My first inclination is that the incubation temperatures are off, probably too warm. Research and double check them. THe problem may also be genetic, and/or pathologic (viral, parasitic). I don't think the fruit flies are the problem but cannot be certain.

As for the undeveloped hatchlings, I would take them to the vet to be humanely euthanized. (or treated if the vet sees them and thinks it's possible) If they don't appear to be suffering, you can keep them as you described until all the eggs have hatched and you can bring all the deformed babies at once to save on cost.

Are you certain that what you see are exposed intestines? If so, I should think the best thing would be to have them euthanised.
Is there a chance that what you have are hatchlings who have not fully absorbed their egg sacks? If that is the case, there can be hope for them. I had 2 hatch like that. Although they are much smaller than the rest of the clutch, they are healthy and feisty.

Good luck with the rest of your clutch!

Thanks for pointing out the obvious Stryder I feel retarded for overlooking that this may be simpler than it really is!

Thanks for your advice! Yeah, they are exposed intestines. I had them euthanized- there were 3 in all that had the problem. One died naturally pretty shortly after birth. I am trying to figure out what happened so I can prevent it from happening again...

Thanks again!
Kim