first ever clutch concerns

[jeff6898]

Well came home today and to my surprise found 5 eggs in the tub. I noticed when I took them out to put in the incubator they were soft and a little undersized I believe. Should they be soft? Does it sound like they are no good?

[mues155]

It takes some time for the eggs to harden to the leathery feel.
She could have just got done laying the clutch when you found them.
Or they could be normal and since this is your first clutch maybe your just not used to the feel. But they should be a little soft yes. They are not bird eggs
I dont suppose you weighed the clutch? That would help.
And did you candle them?

[jeff6898]

No I sure didn't weigh them. I was so excited about having my first clutch guess I panicked and got them in the incubator as soon as possible. Is it safe to take them out of the incubator and candle them in a few days or is it better to let them stay put and see what happens?

[mues155]

You could candle them right now if you'd like. Depending on the bator you have you shouldnt even have to move the container, just take the lid off. Take a small mag lite flashlight or whatever you have and turn the lights out. Hold the flashlight behind one of the eggs and you sould see red veins. Snap a quick picture of them too and post it.
Good luck!
let us know what you find!

[jeff6898]

Well checked the eggs today and 3 of them have sweat marks on the top of the eggs. look moist the other 2 are perfectly dry. Can not figure out why 3 would be like that and 2 not. temp is at 89 degrees the Vermiculite is not wet, I can squish it in my hand and it will stay together with no water dripping out. Any ideas what is causing this? Shouild I remove the eggs with the moisture look on top or is it safe to keep them in there and see what happens? I candled them all as well and all 45 show veins.

[sbender99]

Jeff... Im glad you are so concerned about your first clutch. Sounds like so far you are doing everything right. Until you see an egg turn green or start to collapse badly, don't sweat it. Don't rotate the eggs, keep the temp at 89.5 degrees, "air them each week, check the vermiculite for every so often and wait for 55 days. =) The waiting is the hardest!

[llovelace]

Can you post pics?

[snakemansnakes]

As other said pics would definetly help.

[jeff6898]

Yes I will get pics gotta get a battery for the camera it died. Should have described it as if you have a water leak on a white cieling the spot will kinda look gray. This is how the top of the 3 eggs look.

[jeff6898]

Can someone tell me how to post the pics? when I click insert image it just ask for a url.