I'm in over my head

there was a thread about it where a breeder actually tried it.... and turned eggs at different stages in their development. They all hatched out fine. (but the veins inside the egg rearrange, so it at least costs some energy to adapt i think).


I would still avoid rolling of the eggs. For now i would assume they are still fine, one complete rotation doesnt seem to do anything. Still, use a pecil to mark the top of the eggs, in the current position, and try to avoid further rolling somehow. Maybe put the eggs with a bit of moist (not wet, not soaked) substrate into a smaller box inside the enclosure.

and yes, the chicken egg incubator might work, especially if you can set the temperature and can confrm it with a different thermometer. Only difference is that snake eggs need moisture, they need enough humidity without being in direct contact with water. The hard-shelled bird eggs can be incubated in really extremely dry conditions.

i see 3 options: a savior can be found, a nearby reptile breeder that can take the eggs for you. Or you try it with the chicken incubator. Or you can use a smaller box in the snake enclosure to incubate and tune that area of the enclosure to the right temperature. Finding a breeder with an incubator set up for reptile eggs would be clearly the best, but both of the other two options do have merit and can work.

Even just leaving them with the mother can work, but i think compared to the other options it offers the lowest chances.

Anyway, one thing you should get if you dont have it already: an infrared temp gun, (and/or a good and precise thermometer). No matter what you do, this will be of enormous help.


EDIT: something completely different.... Once the egg-issue is out of the way, how is it with shed? Stuck eyecaps would be something to investigate after she sheds for you for the first time. If she sheds, investigate the head-section of the shed, look if you can find the eye caps in there, or if it has holes where the eyecaps should be.

Have you candled the eggs to see if they have veins?

Two: it maybe a long shot, but call or visit aquatic critters in Nashville. They have a separate reptile section, including ball python morphs. I am sure they have someone to either help you, sell you, or point you in the right direction. You could always do a DIY incubator.

Whatever happen I wish the best for you and your snake(s)!

I have hatched out a few clutches last year but I am not a pro yet. I live in the Knoxville area if you really need someone to hatch them out for you.

My goodness, what an introduction into the world of ball python keeping! Um, congratulations I guess, even if you got more than you bargained for. And a huge hat's off to you for doing your best to take care of a sick animal you kind of got dumped in your lap so to speak.

As long as the poultry incubator does not automatically rotate the eggs it should work just fine. The eggs need to be pretty warm, about 88-89. The humidity issue can be solved by putting a small jelly jar or two filled with water in the incubator where the water can evaporate easily. The eggs can easily be tucked into a small tupperware type container with no lid to keep them stable. Once the eggs are away from mama, you should clean her enclosure thoroughly with soap and water to get rid of the scent of her eggs. You should also wipe her down with a wet washcloth to remove the smell. If the scent of her eggs lingers, it can cause her undue stress at a time when she really doesn't need any more stress. I advise not to attempt to feed her until she's finished with the Baytril shots. She's going to seem really skinny since she laid, but she'll be just fine for the two weeks of antibiotics. Once she's all done with the Baytril you can try feeding her. She may or may not eat right away.

There are many good information sheets here to help guide you on your difficult but very rewarding journey. So spend some time reading, tweak things as you need to, and please keep us updated on the newest members of our ever growing family!

I wish you all the best.

Gale

You guys are great! I fully expected some harshness about buying an animal I know nothing about on CL. I knew when we got it home I messed up.

I took the eggs out this morning and put them in the incubator. The snake was only curled around one of them... I have them in a small tupperware container with damp paper towels (squeezed as much water out as possible). Hoping this will be ok until I can get some vermiculite tomorrow. The incubator also has a water reservoir to keep some humidity.

She already seems to feel better (less wheezing sounds and bubbly mouth). I'll clean her cage this afternoon when I get her out again for the next shot. I'll upload a pic of the eggs for your opinions on viability.

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/...ps750954d0.jpg

Another substrate you can use is Perlite. Make sure it's straight perlite and doesn't have additives like miracle grow. Want it to be slightly damp, as in can barely feel moisture in it. That's what I use for all my clutches.

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Those eggs look really good considering the circumstances. Do keep all three, I've seen tiny but healthy babies hatch from eggs like the one that has a yellow end. Egg keeping is a new set of challenges, but there is plenty of information here on how to do it, so you'll do all right. Here's to hoping those 60 days fly by, and soon we'll be seeing baby pictures from you!

While it is true, we can sometimes be a little bit harsh to someone who comes here seeking help but then ignores what we recommend, or worse they believe they already know everything and only want us to approve what they do. We realize most of us have made a few pretty good blunders when we first got started, and the best we can do is learn from our mistakes and try not to make them again. You certainly got more than you bargained for, but at least you didn't come here saying you had a sick snake but no money to take it to a vet so what is the best home remedy because you didn't pay much for the snake anyway and you can't waste any more money on it right now. And we've seen that happen.

You have nothing but my respect and admiration that you are willing to go the extra mile to do what is right by your new pet and her unexpected blessings, not everyone would. I look forward to seeing you both grow, and I very much look forward to baby pictures!!

Gale

Wow. I applaud your dedication. That is awesome to see someone step up when they got someone else's negligence dumped on them. I hope your new girl gets better fast so you can enjoy having her as a pet. I wish you the best with the babies too! It is a lot to take on. Listen to advise on here and pour through old threads and you'll be just fine.

That's a mighty fine act of kindness you are giving to those animals.