Dimpling question

Okay, so my roommate has her first clutch of ball python eggs incubating. I posted a cell phone picture a while back, since she is without internet at her summer job. Anyhow, she called me tonight with a question. The eggs are on day 21, and she says one of the eggs is dimpling in. The eggs are being incubated in vermiculite at 89 degrees and she reports that an acurite thermometer simply reads the humidity as 'high.' Any suggestions as to what is happening or what to do or if it is normal, etc, will be greatly appreciated. The only egg that is dimpling is not as nestled into the substrate at the other eggs are, because it was one stuck on the top of the clutch. Thanks in advance!!

Hi,

Would it be possible to "drizzle" some substrate around it?

I'm not advocating that just asking if the position of the top egg would allow it if the smart folks thought it was a good idea. :)


dr del

She could try putting a small container of water in the box. That will allow the egg to absorb fluid if it needs to.

I already asked her the substrate question, and she says that it is not possible to get the egg into contact with any more substrate without completely burying the eggs under it.

As for the fluid in the box thing, do you mean just like a small glad container of water set on top of the substrate near the egg?

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Originally Posted by PythonChick

As for the fluid in the box thing, do you mean just like a small glad container of water set on top of the substrate near the egg?

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Yup. Any container will work. It can be refilled as necessary, if necessary at all.

All right, thanks so much both of you, I do not want little god-children-eggs having trouble before they hatch! I will giver her the suggestion about the container of water. She said she was going to mix up some new, damper vermiculite and let it get up to temperature in the incubator before sprinkling it around the box. Does that sound like it could help too?

First, candle the egg to check if its fertile, you will see veins easily.

Secondly, take the vermiculite, try to make a snowball with it, If it sort of holds together its perfect. If it dosn't stick together at all its too dry and if water squeezes out its too wet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PythonChick

All right, thanks so much both of you, I do not want little god-children-eggs having trouble before they hatch! I will giver her the suggestion about the container of water. She said she was going to mix up some new, damper vermiculite and let it get up to temperature in the incubator before sprinkling it around the box. Does that sound like it could help too?

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I wouldn't do that. You want to mess with them as little as possible and err on the dry side. If the eggs are dimpling, put a very small amount of water in the corner of the egg box. Also make sure there are no holes in the egg box and that the top is sealed well. If the top doesn't seal then use press and seal on top of the egg box before putting the cover on.