cutting the eggs?

so I have been wondering why do some breeders cut the eggs? I have yet to breed any snakes and Im sure that they can get out of the eggs on thier own, so is there a reason you cut the eggs or is it just to see whats inside?

See whats inside.

Make sure the babies are ok. Like no twisted cords.

Some babies dont develop an egg tooth so they die in the egg bc they are unable to pip.

These are things that are apart of nature and normally happen in the wild. But in captivity we try and do our best to minimize loss.

cool, so how is it done? a scalpel? or a razor sharp cutting utensel of some sort? I am of course asking because Im looking in to breeding one day. second question is there a book on bp breeding that is useful or is it more word of mouth information?

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Originally Posted by Ogre

cool, so how is it done? a scalpel? or a razor sharp cutting utensel of some sort? I am of course asking because Im looking in to breeding one day. second question is there a book on bp breeding that is useful or is it more word of mouth information?

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Here's an awesome video on it. Mike wilbanks is a VERY experienced breeder but for noobs like you and i cutting on day 43 like he does in the video probably is not the best idea. Generally people cut around day 52-56. His technique can still be applied though, i personally will just wait a little longer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLHsQ...e_gdata_player

The Complete Ball Python by Kevin from NERD is the one i have and its awesome! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/9780971319

I also believe VPI has a similar "Ball python guide" out too thats supposed to be excellent. I dont own it but here it is:
http://www.vpi.com/store/products/py...ing_in_usa_can

EDIT: as for what to use to cut you can use razor blades, scalpels, tiny finger nail scissors, maybe even a really sharp pocket knife. Just gotta find what works best for you.

thankyou very much

I actually started looking after i posted and found that first book. I was really trying to find it in ebook format for my kindle or even pdf but none anywere on that title.

Youre welcome!

Yea its prolly not available for e-book bc its not marketable to a whole lot of people i guess lol.

Also just as a good reference for anyone who reads this thread, this is how NOT to cut eggs. Or at least imo, is not good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xWVT...e_gdata_player

i agree every time he cuts eggs i get nervous. plus he pulls them out of the eggs, and he also cuts very sloppy

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i agree every time he cuts eggs i get nervous. plus he pulls them out of the eggs, and he also cuts very sloppy

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Also just as a good reference for anyone who reads this thread, this is how NOT to cut eggs. Or at least imo, is not good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xWVT...e_gdata_player

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I couldn't even finish the video, that guy drives me nuts. When I get finally have eggs, I think I will wait for first pippers, then if I can muster up the courage, cut the rest.

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Ya I can't stand that guy he is very hard to watch! But if you notice in the background of that video there is what looks to be a very nice red tegu! Sorry couldn't help pointing it out I am on a tegu kick lately. I can't wait to get my first clutch in a year or so!

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

I couldn't even finish the video, that guy drives me nuts. When I get finally have eggs, I think I will wait for first pippers, then if I can muster up the courage, cut the rest.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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I think im going to wait til day 54-56 or the first pip. Whichever comes first. I feel fairly confident cutting.

Sorry for robbing your thread but are the eggs supposed to be collapsed at all before you cut? My eggs are on day 51 I wanna cut tomorrow but they still look full they don't have wrinkles or anything like that any input would be greatly appreciated