Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone have any expert tips on hatching zonata? I am planning on 82 - 84 F. I had trouble with mold on my last clutch of annulata several years ago. I got a new incubator and the large grind vermiculite. I must have just had the perlite too wet on the milk eggs. I had hatched several milk clutches in the past and then started having mold problems. Thanks

I incubate all mine at room temps in my snake room...varies a bit but 82F-84F. In deli cups with damp vermiculite covered with a layer of dry sphagnum moss to keep the eggs a bit above the vermiculite. Haven't lost an egg yet this way.

By damp I mean it will barely clump when squeezed together. I add water if it dries out. Lids are opened twice a week for air exchange. When the time is close and moisture really appears on the underside of the lid I remove the lid and put the containers in a larger containers so the expelled moisture isn't trapped.

Bill

I've hatched zonata eggs using the same vermiculite method as for kings, milk, and ratsnakes with no problems, and the same temps 82-84 degrees. I have a few pics posted in the photo gallery here....

I incubate at cooler temps (76-80 degrees). use damp vermiculite base with layer of sand on top. line perimeter of incubation box with damp sphagnum. if u have problem with fungus and eggs are fertile, you prolly need more air circulation in the incubation box.