second clutch, problems?

[LaRiz]

Hi all, this is my first post (pleased to meet you all). Also, I'm very new at hatching python eggs. Anyway, the first clutch (5 eggs) to hatch a couple of weeks ago went as expected. At exactly day 60 (at approx. 89.5 deg. F.), and after the first one pipped, I slit the rest. Babies stayed in their eggs, absorbed their yolk, then ventured out like they should. They're doing fine and eating their first meals.
The second clutch is a bit different. Eggs pipped a couple of days apart from each other. Now, here's where I'd like some advice. Babies that left the egg, did so earlier than the ones in the first clutch. They have not fully absorbed their yolk sacs, and now they're clawling around dragging that peice of yolk meat thru the vermiculite. So far 4 babies are like this. Is there anything I should do at this point? What should I expect these sacs to do? I'm a little worried about them. Thanks for the help!

[West Coast Jungle]

Keep them in a damp enviorment so the yolk sack does not dry up and stick/bond to anything and possibly tear off. Damp paper towels are helpful. If the vermiculite is getting dry I would mist it down a little. They should absorb it(yolk) eventually and be OK.

[West Coast Jungle]

Nice spiders by the way, and welcome aboard!

[JLC]

Welcome aboard!


I've never done this myself, so take my words for what they are worth to ya. But having read and observed over the years, as well as seen VPI and NERD hatchlings in person....here's what I would do if I hatched out some babies like that.

I'd very carefully rinse the vermiculite off of them and place them in individual shoebox tubs...either with sopping wet paper towels, or less than 1/8" of water in the bottom (just enough to cover the bottom of the little tub but will pose absolutely no risk of drowning).

I'd leave those tubs in the incubator or otherwise keep them at about the same temps that the eggs were incubated at.

[LaRiz]

Great advice, thanks to both of you! I'll keep a close watch on things.
thanks again,
john