Egg ?'s

[JPerkins]

Is there a pictorial guide to show ball python egg development at different incubation stages? And how full should a snake egg look at about two weeks pre-hatch date? I have a couple of eggs that are "due" in a little over two weeks but when candling the eggs I see dark movement on the bottom third of the eggs and strong veins on top.

[JPerkins]

I am a huge derp!

[Aercadia]

Not egg-specific, but this Breeding Pictorial goes through the stages of breeding, follicle growth, laying, incubation, and hatching, with pictures for every step :)

Condensation

About 3 weeks prior to hatching the eggs will start to sag and condensation will build up in the container. The reason for this is that the eggs are actually warmer than the ambient temperature in the incubator, due to the nearly developed hatchlings inside. It's just like windows in your house that fog up in the wintertime.



Dimpled Eggs

As the eventual hatching date grows closer, the eggs dimple severely. They sink in and become very pliable and soft. This makes it easier for the hatchlings to cut their way out of the egg with their single egg tooth. Eggs usually hatch 52 - 60 days after they are laid.

Hope this helps a little!