Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The last two of my clutch came out of their eggs sometime during the night. BOTH of them still have what appears to be remaining yolk sacs still attatched to them. One of them... it's just a little length of something, I can almost imagine it just drying up and falling off. But the other little guy has something a little more substantial.

I've put them both in deli cups filled with damp moss and back into the incubator. Any thoughts on how to proceed? Has anyone experienced this before?

I'll try to get pictures if I can, but I don't want to disturb them too much.
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-Paul

I've had this happen many times with kingsnakes.
You are doing the right thing by keeping them on damp substrate.

Damp moss is good, and keep it very damp.

In my expereince they will usually break free in a matter of days. They are often lethargic while still attached...then will act normally as soon as they break free, so don't give up on them thinking they are dying.

I've had them die if kept on dry substrate in this condidition.
Also...although damp moss is good, you want to avoid wet paper towels . newspaper, etc. Also avoid standing water.

They may crawl underneith it to hide and drown.

Great.
Thanks very much for the info.
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-Paul

Paul,

Yes, many times they'll dry up & drop off on their own without ill effect.

But i once had a baby with apparent internal organs hanging out of the slit, and the vet set it was intestines. He pushed the parts back in, stitched her up, and she did just fine. Over the years i've had one or two babies die showing that condition, so i figure the surgical intervention was necessary in that case, and saved her life. Hopefully your snake's circumstances are more like the ones i've had which, left alone on damp towels like dean says, make it ok.

Good luck,
Terry

Well, it would appear that I'm going to experience both cases. The albino (the one that appeared in better shape) seems to be fine. What was left of the eggsac seems to have actually absorbed into him, and everything looked o.k. before I left for work today.
The other one, however...
I returned from work to find MORE stuff hanging out of the poor bugger. Funny thing is, I found the original "stuff" separate and unattatched in the cup. It's almost like the remaining yolksac fell off prematurely and left a gaping hole in the poor guy through which all manner of important bits could fall out. The closeup shows something which, yup, looks pretty necessary for internal workings. Don't think this little one's gonna make it.

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-Paul

On the brighter side.. here's the one that seems to be doing well now...

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-Paul

>>On the brighter side.. here's the one that seems to be doing well now...
>>
>>
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>>-Paul

ji'll be hoping the second one makes it too. your albino is a reminder that even though the price has come down a lot on them, they sure are beautiful creatures, aren't they.
terry

The little het is back from the vet and all stitched up!! So far so good! It was your advice I think, Terry that gave me hope and sent me zipping off to the vet first thing in the morning.
So, after spending the weekend there, the little one is back, with tiny little sutures in it's belly. I guess now we just need to make sure everything's working o.k. But he (or she) sure does have some life now. Pics to come after shed and/or stitch removal...
Thanks again for everyone's advice.
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-Paul

So I took the little tangerine to the vet. He's gonna see if he can get all the important bits back inside and sew 'em back up. Keep your fingers crossed.
The albino is doing beautifully, btw.
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-Paul

keep it moist and warm as you're doing...may take up to a few days or more. It should be O.K. Try not to handle. Good Luck!