To seal or not to seal

I used press and seal this year. I went with Heather's method and it's only one clutch so the expense isn't an issue.
Jamie, i'm right there with ya on the bator. Mine is a foam box with writing all over it;) Seems to be doing it's job at day 34 though.

Now here's my Incubator. Its got a great seal and holds temps and humidity well. I had it set up last year just to incubate a batch of normals. Should I need to seal the eggs if it has a great seal on the door???[IMG]https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...5/100_1416.jpg[/IMG] Thanks for all the advice. I hope to be putting some much more important clutches in there this year including a pied X axanthic, pewter X cinnamon, Pewter X pin, and more. I just want to get this right since I really don't have the experience. Thanks again all

I seal mine with weather stripping around the top. 3/8" wide x 1/8" or 1/4" thickness seals the boxes nicely. I also use cookie containers from Sam's or BJ's. The clear ones with the tight seal around the top. Those work real nice and are crystal clear. Plus I get cookies to eat for the good of the snakes. Now sealing them this way I make my mixture a hair drier and never have to add water.

This is interesting, I was under the assumption that the eggs need fresh air from time to time, but some of you are saying that you dont allow any air transfer for a large part of the incubation.

I've watched every youtube video possible and try to come to my own conclusions, but everyone seems to have their own way of doing things, I'm just looking for the way that would work best with my setup.

Seal, and then just check them once every few weeks. I'm using bins with just packing tape around the lids this year, and I keep having to add water, so I'm going to go the press-and-seal route next year. :P

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Originally Posted by aarondm

I've watched every youtube video possible and try to come to my own conclusions, but everyone seems to have their own way of doing things, I'm just looking for the way that would work best with my setup.

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That is the key right here find what works for YOU

I don’t seal, I open my egg boxes to candle every now and than, and I never have to add water either.

All that depends on the incubator itself, incubation method, egg box size, etc etc

You'll figure it out. ;)

I don't seal. The best ever hatch rate I had was 100% healthy babies from a 11 egg clutch. Hatched in a mixing bowl with a hand towel thrown over top, and I misted the towel off and on as necassary.
I actually normally use egg boxes of various sizes, but I couldnt find anything of a proper size for the huge 11 egg pile.
This poll proves to me that ball python eggs are pretty hardy things, and don't need any particular exact keeping to hatch. With people who seal and never open to people who never seal and move the eggs for candling etc... still get good healthy hatchlings!

We seal using press n seal and the lid. We open the eggs about once a week to allow for air exchange. At day 45 we remove the press n seal completely, just use the lid and open once daily for a few seconds.

I think what your poll is telling you so far is there are many ways to accomplish your goal of healthy hatchlings. If you get a 100% or near that hatch rate, all your hatchlings come out healthy, exit their eggs easily....well heck as far as I'm concerned whatever you are doing just plain works. :)

Well, I've only had 2 clutches hatch so far (every egg hatched), but I'll put my 2 cents in anyway. I use shoeboxes with 8 holes drilled in (2 on each side), put the lid on it & just keep an eye on the hygro/thermometer. So far, the temps & humidity stay very stable. I will mention, though, that I have a Nature's Spirit incubator & it's awesome.

I have personally tried it both ways...
This year I actually changed to using the Sterilite Latchtop boxes, no seal. I did get extra lids and drilled holes in them. When Condenstation startes I switch to a lid with the holes.
I am using a jumbo marine cooler converted into an incubator. No issues with temps or humidity in the egg boxes or the incubator.