Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i bred albinos and got a clutch of 7 eggs two went bad and one albino made it out of the egg then died few hours later? i have had three clutches in the past years and never had any issues. this clutch i had to cut all the eggs it was day 55 and not one came out on its own. the babies all look good except one has a huge bulge in its stomach and one is real skinny and looks like he is having a hard time lifting its head. in his egg was a huge blob of something im not sure if there were twins but im just curious as to what might have gone wrong? temps were good im thinking the vermiculite i used was from home depot can that have had any effect on the eggs? apprecaite any feedback!

There's a reason why mother nature dictates 60 days! Sounds like you have unabsorbed yolk and you should have let them go a few more days!

Wow I had no idea I always thought 52-54 days max then you must cut the eggs! But I always hear of people cutting eggs early to see what they have I only cut cause I thought I had to. Thanks for your info.

yea....60 days is normal....65 is not unheard of....even 70 if temps are low...but that is rare....

people cut because they want to rush and see what they got so they can brag and try and sell it before it even comes out of the egg...

these days are pretty much gone...but it still happens...

after breeding for years...you will know when to cut more or less....and there should be no reason to cut at all actually ...

also.if your eggs are too wet or too dry it matters a lot....moreso than temps....
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........JY

Thanks for that info I will never cut my eggs again! I have another clutch and let me ask you the top 2 eggs are not really in the vermiculite as they were stuck together high will they be ok like that? There huge eggs too never seen them this big! Thanks again seems like none is on kingsnake anymore ;(

The eggs on top will be fine! The vermiculite helps keep the humidity up! The eggs don't necessarily have to touch it!

I've been following this forum for years and it seams every year, dudes were cutting eggs earlier and earlier! There were guys on here cutting eggs in the 40 day range!!!!! I know everyone wants to see what they've produced, but it doesn't matter how cool they are, if they're dead! Just remember, no matter when you cut them, they're going going to sit in the egg, til the yolk is absorbed!

Also, we're not telling you NOT to cut them, just be strategic! I've had perfectly formed babies, that never pipped and died in the egg! Did they not have an egg tooth? Did they have congenital issues? I guess we'll never know, but because of that, I always cut the eggs, after the first one pips! If you have one that pips and it's healthy, as long as the eggs were layed the same day, they should all be developed, right?

Now, when I say cut, I mean, cutting a slit in the top, not cutting the top off and pulling the baby out! Just give it a chance to poke it's head out and breath air! Good luck!

Very good advice thank you for that info.