When to Cut - Low Incubation Temps

Question for the masses: I am reptile-sitting for some friends for a month. They have some eggs on day 57 today. They have a reptile room that stays 82*-84* so they have chosen not to use an incubator. I have been asked to cut their clutch because they've had issues with this pairing being unable to get out of the eggs. I have experience with cutting, but not at such low incubation temperatures. I normally incubate at 88*, cut at day 54 and have babies around day 56. So for anyone who has EXPERIENCE with lower temps (those who incubate at lower temps, those who maternal incubate, or those who use ambient temps), what day would you suggest cutting? I've decided no earlier than day 60 but I don't know if I should wait until day 64 or later.

I would just ask them what day they want you to cut their eggs.


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For what it is worth, I would Just wait till that first snake penetrates the shell then cut open the rest. I usually determine when to cut mine by observing the pip time of other clutches incubated in the same incubator.

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Originally Posted by coldbloodaddict

I would just ask them what day they want you to cut their eggs.

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I have. I'm just waiting on them to let me know their rough incubation time for their other clutches. The eggs looks plump, so I'm leaning towards waiting until day 70 or so. Just trying to get a feel for their average incubation time.

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Originally Posted by coolballsdave

For what it is worth, I would Just wait till that first snake penetrates the shell then cut open the rest. I usually determine when to cut mine by observing the pip time of other clutches incubated in the same incubator.

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The problem is that they've lost a clutch from this same pairing due to being unable to get through the egg. They are trying to prevent that this year. Because of losing the whole clutch, I don't want to wait and hope that one can pip.

This year I incubated at 86.5*F and the first 3 pippers were on day 70. At that point I cut the rest of the eggs. All survived.

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

They have a reptile room that stays 82*-84* so they have chosen not to use an incubator.

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Ball pythons....the new North American snake.

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Originally Posted by grcforce327

Ball pythons....the new North American snake.

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Not sure I get this comment. The average temp in Ghana is about 79f and Ball pythons live underground where the temperatures are considerably cooler than regular temps.
In my opinion we do not, as a whole, provide correct conditions for them.

We have switched a few years ago to maternal incubation. Our room is heated at 87f and inside the tubs is about 83 or 84. The snakes maintain their eggs at about 86.7f. I would not suggest cutting until either day 65 or until one pips on its own.

Defiantly wait at least to day 60. My 86 F clutch last year piped on day 64 and the final snake emerged at day 74. This year I bumped it up a bit to see what a difference a degree or two makes.

I would think day 64ish is good, maybe later. I accidentally cut a clutch 2 weeks early (day 36!!!) by carelessly opening the wrong egg tub, they all hatched out OK. So if day 64 is a bit early, it shouldn't be too big of a problem.

Just cut a small dime sized window. I would think day 65 would be my plan at those temps. A small window will skim back over and seal itself within a day.