cutting eggs

[sho220]

I do not cut because I am impatient if it was the case I would cut on day 30 or so , if I can wait through 52 days I can assure you I can wait a few more I cut on day 52 to prevent possible drowning.

Are the odds of "drowning" higher than the odds of a problem due to cutting before they are ready? I'll bet more babies are lost every year due to cutting than drowning...not at day 52...that's reasonable...day 30? day 40? Not so much...

I've heard the drowning argument before...just haven't seen enough instances of baby balls drowning because they couldn't cut their way out of the egg to make it a legit reason...I still say we're all just impatient!

[Homegrownscales]

99% of my clutches come out in 60-64 days. I don't cut until the first one pipps. I've seen a couple clutches from others that they lost babies due to cutting. I would just rather wait until others are pipping on their own. Look at it this way if you cut on day 56 let's say they don't come out until day 62 that's 6 days of egg maintenance. Flushing etc to make sure bacteria doesnt build, if you do have bacteria build any babies lives hang in the balance.
If the first one pips on day 62 and then you cut the others, you won't have any egg maintenance to go through and very little chance of losing babies due to bacterial build up etc.


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[loonunit]

99% of my clutches come out in 60-64 days. I don't cut until the first one pipps. I've seen a couple clutches from others that they lost babies due to cutting. I would just rather wait until others are pipping on their own. Look at it this way if you cut on day 56 let's say they don't come out until day 62 that's 6 days of egg maintenance. Flushing etc to make sure bacteria doesnt build, if you do have bacteria build any babies lives hang in the balance.
If the first one pips on day 62 and then you cut the others, you won't have any egg maintenance to go through and very little chance of losing babies due to bacterial build up etc.

That's one of the clearest explanations of the problems of cutting early I've heard.

So what do people use to flush? Saline? But not eyewash. Is the stuff they sell in the ear and nose section of the pharmacy okay?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I've heard the drowning argument before...just haven't seen enough instances of baby balls drowning because they couldn't cut their way out of the egg to make it a legit reason

I have seen it first end back in 2008 while staying at well known breeder's place and that was enough for me and I have been cutting ever since.

[Homegrownscales]

The flushing stuff is regular saline like for washing contacts. I've seen folks use distilled water before. I think the sterile saline is a better option. I always keep some handy just in case.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

[Quiet Tempest]

I only cut if I think there is a problem or there is the potential for a problem. Otherwise, I let them all pip on their own.

[kellysballs]

This year I am waiting until the first baby pips and then I cut the rest of the clutch. In the beginning cut because that is what I was told is proper. I cut on day 53 for the first 2 seasons until I found out some people don't cut their eggs. The following two seasons we cut on day 53-55 depending on how impatient I was, and this year because of the research project we are cutting at first pip. Choose the technique that is most comfortable for you.

[iCandiBallPythons]

Are the odds of "drowning" higher than the odds of a problem due to cutting before they are ready? I'll bet more babies are lost every year due to cutting than drowning...not at day 52...that's reasonable...day 30? day 40? Not so much...

I've heard the drowning argument before...just haven't seen enough instances of baby balls drowning because they couldn't cut their way out of the egg to make it a legit reason...I still say we're all just impatient!

I have never had any ill affects due to cutting eggs. I cut every clutch every time to eliminate the chance of a neonate not having the ability to get out. Does drowning occur often? Probably not that often but I dont take that chance,

[sho220]

I have never had any ill affects due to cutting eggs. I cut every clutch every time to eliminate the chance of a neonate not having the ability to get out. Does drowning occur often? Probably not that often but I dont take that chance,

What day do you normally cut? Cutting is definitely a personal thing...and whatever works best for the particular breeder is probably the best way to go. I forgot about the babies with umbilicus problems (ie. twisted or tangled) and that seems like a legit reason...I saw several threads last year about it...and several babies were saved because of it...still not sure the chance of drowning legitamizes it...regardless...cutting at day 30 or 40 is still absurd... Cutting towards the end is okay IMO...

[DC Reptiles]

this is my first season breeding and having eggs, and I cut mine on day 54, they came out of day 57 and so far so good. All my friends who are breeders cut and they have had less issues cutting then not.