Last year was our first breeding season and we were told to wait and let them emerge on their own. I lost 2 pastels that couldn't cut out cause they didn't have the cut tooth and we didn't slice the eggs. We decided we will cut for now on. I wait till day 58 and slice each egg. We haven't lost no more due to that. But it's your decision. As long as you are comfortable to do it then it's okay. Good Luck...