First BP Clutch DAY 60, Should I cut the Eggs?? Please Help

[alanwb1900]

This is my first clutch of Ball Python eggs, and had the incubator set at 89 degrees, unfortunately I learned a lesson and now know the thermostat in the incubator sucks and had been incubating the eggs at 85-86 degrees. I slowly increased the temp up to 89 degrees over a couple of days checking it with a digital probe in the incubator and using a heat gun on the substrate and eggs. With that said, the eggs were laid on 7/4/2014 and today is day 60. The eggs have good veins and I can see movement. The eggs have not dimpled at all, they are nice and plump. Being a rookie at this I don't know what to do if anything. Cut the eggs or let them pip? I guess I'm just worried and anxious, I just want them to be healthy and have the best chance possible at life. Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

[rlditmars]

Because you were originally incubating at temps below what many do, the number of days to pip is going to be different, longer. You just don't know how far behind the average timeline they are at this point and you could be cutting at a time where, all things being normal, would be too soon. If I were you, I would just be patient and wait for them to pip. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.

[alanwb1900]

Thank you, I figured it would take longer since the temps were lower, I just didnt know how much longer. And I started reading about babies not pipping on their own and drowning. Sometimes just hearing it from someone with experiance helps to settle the nerves, thanks again.

[bcr229]

I had a similar issue this year and found out that my incubator was at 86.5*F. Unlike you I didn't increase the temperature. The babies pipped on day 68, all nine hatched and are doing just fine several months later.

[Tigerhawk]

Just be patient, they will hatch when they are ready.

[greco]

I know it's hard but you should wait until the first hatchling pips before cutting any eggs.

[TheSnakeEye]

Some will tell you otherwise, but my honest opinion, considering the eggs haven't dimpled is to leave them be for a few more days. Many people cut the eggs even when there isn't dimpling going on and I have done so as well but I have had a few things happen that I wasn't too fond of. If you cut too early, you're allowing the fluid in the egg get moldy (this happens as soon as air hits it). Depending on where the incubator is and the environment around it, you're increasing the chance of a fly laying eggs that will hatch in to maggots. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME! Snake turned out fine, but I did not like the snake sitting in rotting fluid full of maggots. I care too much for my snakes to let that happen again just to see what I've got a few days early.

Now if the eggs are completely dimpled and almost like dried out, I might cut. The dimpling means the fluids have been absorbed and you're chances of what I mentioned above is far less likely to occur. When they're that dimpled, they are pretty much ready to come out.

[rafacacho]

Wait....dont cut

[alanwb1900]

Thank You everyone for the awesome advice, I waited and here is what I found when I checked them this evening. Woohoo, I'm so Happy!

[rafacacho]

Great! How long was it? 67?