Waiting for the first pip; when, when, and when?!

Hi everyone!

The very first clutch of ball python eggs I've dealt with was laid on April 4th. After losing one egg, I've been keeping a very watchful eye on the other 7, and am happy to say that they're all doing great. Today is day 54, and I'm really anticipating seeing them start to pip soon.

My incubation temperature has been pretty steady at about 89.5 - 90.0, with occasional fluctuations down to as low as 87.5 and as high as 92 (the lower temperature fluctuations are usually at night, my incubator seems to have a hard time keeping up with the lowering temperature of the house at night, and I've only seen it ever get as high as 92 about twice during a freak heat wave we got suddenly).

I have candled the eggs, and seen movement/veining, all seems to be well with them. I've read a lot about people cutting the eggs between days 52-55, but I would really prefer not to cut if it can be avoided. By what day should I seriously consider cutting if I don't see any pipping?

Man, the waiting wasn't so bad for me until now!

Thanks everyone!

I always cut ... typically between day 55 - 57. Never had an issue. Just be cautious and you'll be fine. I have to cut, but that's just me. Otherwise I'd go crazy ... Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Kourtneyhk

Hi everyone!

The very first clutch of ball python eggs I've dealt with was laid on April 4th. After losing one egg, I've been keeping a very watchful eye on the other 7, and am happy to say that they're all doing great. Today is day 54, and I'm really anticipating seeing them start to pip soon.

My incubation temperature has been pretty steady at about 89.5 - 90.0, with occasional fluctuations down to as low as 87.5 and as high as 92 (the lower temperature fluctuations are usually at night, my incubator seems to have a hard time keeping up with the lowering temperature of the house at night, and I've only seen it ever get as high as 92 about twice during a freak heat wave we got suddenly).

I have candled the eggs, and seen movement/veining, all seems to be well with them. I've read a lot about people cutting the eggs between days 52-55, but I would really prefer not to cut if it can be avoided. By what day should I seriously consider cutting if I don't see any pipping?

Man, the waiting wasn't so bad for me until now!

Thanks everyone!

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we just had our first ever pip today from our clutch that was laid on april 5th. one pipped so we cut the rest. Wish you the best of luck with the babies!

I am so terrified to cut the eggs, I don't know why, maybe because I have terrible luck and I'm afraid I'll screw it up. I'm just getting anxious here on day 55 and not a single pip when I've incubated at a warmer temperature! I'll probably give it another day and then cut if I don't see anything! I candled them a day or two ago and saw movement and reaction to the light from them all, so I'm sure they're just taking their sweet time. Just didn't know if there was a "time" one should start to worry and cut.

Good luck on your clutch! I agree with waiting until the first baby pips if your really worried. The chance that none of the snakes can cut themselves out is very low.

That was my thought, that the odds had to be really low that none out of the 7 could make it out on their own. Just getting nervous and anxious and hoping they start showing their little faces!