Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I guess it won't be long now. Everyone brace yourself for yet another impatient worrywart first time breeder post. The top three eggs developed deep indentations earlier this week, but I don't see any signs of slits in the eggs or fluid coming out. I don't think it's a moisture issue. Any guesses as to how much longer? Is it time to drain the water from the incubator and put the eggs in a dry setup as described in the link below? Just looking for a little reassurance at this critical juncture.

Thanks,
Nate

Incubator Plan

I had the same exact setup. I tokk the whole container out. I then put it in a tank with an under tank heater to keep the temp as close to the incubater as possible. I also used a weak heat lamp. They hatched less than a week later. Remember, when they slit their eggs, they take awhile to come out. A couple of them took 2 days after slitting. They have to absorb the egg yolk to put on weight. My 5 eggs took about 5 days from the time the first egg slit. I also kept a damp paper towel over the eggs to keep them somewhat moist. I did corn eggs, though, but here is a pic anyway just so you can see. Any questions? Let me know. Derek

Oh. one other thing. They stick their heads in and out throughout the time they slit until they are all the way out. They didn't need any kind of help at all. Derek

Hello,
Thanks for the reply... I know that they need to hang out in the egg and absorb the yolk for a few days after slitting, I'm just wondering how long it takes from the eggs denting/collapsing to the actual slitting. So far three of the six eggs are very dented, but no baby heads peeking out yet.

Nate

NP

My cornsnake book says 3 to 6 days before hatching, eggs will dimple in. It's probably close! Get ready! Thanks for the compliment, Derek

Don't worry. My first clutch of 11 black milk eggs took about 5 or six days between denting to finally slitting and then your patience will get even more tried when you have to wait the 2 to 4 days for all the babies to fully emerge. Just give them time to come out on their own.

Rob Haneisen