Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The eggs haven't hatched yet, and I'm getting just a bit worried... Okay, a whole lot worried. The eggs have been incubating for nine weeks and three days, and this is making me insanely nervous and impatient by the minute.
I was able to see them move through the eggs using a light just three days ago, but now only two of them are seen slightly twitching. Could they have died by suffocation? I'm worried the babies are going to suffocate in their eggs if not already. Should I assist them out, or wait and see? What should I do at this point?
Suggestion plese?
Thanks!

Personally, I would wait.
I hate cutting eggs open, unless you have one or two left unhatched, days after the rest of the eggs hatched out. If the eggs were too wet, and some of the babies suffocated in the eggs, then I think the dammage is already done, and assisting the hatchlings out may not help anything.
Since there is not a lot of breeding info regarding P. mearnsi, it is hard to say, weather your eggs are way overdue or not. Maybe someone who breeds thalissinus can offer some advice.

That is just my opinion, do what you feel is right.
Good luck.
Nick

usually hatch out at 55-57 days at 87 for the first half of the incubation time then dropped to 85 for the second half. They are only about five days later so I would just wait. Did I hear you say you incubate at 82 somewhere???? That could be the difference right there. I would give them time-especially if the eggs still look good.

Have your Thalassinus hatch yet Tgreb? I recall in a post you stated they laid eggs...

Shells-N-Scales
Raul

shipped off to sunny AZ now.

I agree with Nick and Tom.

Don't mess with the eggs and just wait. Lots of times
when you open an egg and they are alive, they often
die shortly after. My petro thalassinus eggs usually
hatch out at about 53 days but I cook them close to
88-90 for the first month then drop them down closer
to 86 for the remaining month.

They may be just fine at 67-68 days, especially if you
incubated at somewhat cooler temps. Keep in mind
that when you candle eggs that some may move due
to the all of a sudden bright light while other can sleep
through it so for that reason I don't depend on the
movement or the lack of when candling some of the
eggs. I usually don't candle unless one or two last eggs
are way overdue. At this time, depending on what I see,
I may choose to open one.

If one should hatch, leave it in the egg tray as it will
entice the rest to follow shortly after.

John

I was also thinking of giving them more time to hatch or until they perish inside their eggs. I wouldn't have a clue when or how to safely cut them open without harming them anyway.
Your advices proved very helpul and reassuring. Once again thanks Nick, Tom and John!
Now I have a surprise for y'all... Yes, you guessed it.
They're finally hatched today!!! I'll have some pictures and post them as soon as I get back home shortly.

I have been watching this thread, and just want to congratulate you! I know that is a huge relief! Boy, these lizard kids sure know how to worry us, don't they???

I can't wait for pics of those little stubborn beasties!