cutting

[hunter0443]

when it gets into the 50 days do u have to cut or can u just let them be?

[Andybill]

You can let them pip on their own you dont have to cut.

[hunter0443]

ok cause im thinking of breeding and i was not to sure on cutting cause i did not want to hurt them

[Don]

There are many threads here of people with little experience cutting eggs - some earlier than 50 days. Many of those threads did not have a happy ending. I would recommend waiting until the first egg pips, then if you feel the need to cut, then it should be OK. You do not have to cut, you can let them all pip on their own if you want. It is completely up to you.

[BallsUnlimited]

If you dont want to cut an they havent pipped by day 60 i would make a small cut in the eggs as they may not of developed an egg tooth or the shell could be harder than normal an they cant escape an drown. I cut on day 50 an make just a small window give a little poke with my finger to make sure its alive an then leave it in the bator till it comes out. the only time i will hack an egg up is if the baby is dead an im trying to figure out what went wrong.

[SlitherinSisters]

50 is pretty early. If you don't plan to cut before they pip then don't worry about it till day 60 or after. If you plan to cut, I would still wait till day 52-54 if you aren't experienced.

[sho220]

Depends on temps...day 56 at 89degrees is usually safe. Most of the time, mine have started pipping about then.

Lower temps I would wait a few extra days...higher temps you could probably cut a little earlier.

[heathers*bps]

I am on day 54 of a clutch right now and having a very hard time resisting the urge to cut them. I have cut all my clutches prior, but I'm trying to hold out as long as I can stand it, lol.

I know people who cut every clutch on a specific day, people who cut once one pips, and people who don't cut at all. It's all personal preference.

[sho220]

I am on day 54 of a clutch right now and having a very hard time resisting the urge to cut them.

What was the pairing that has you so tempted? ... if you don't mind me asking...

[RobNJ]

If you don't feel comfortable cutting your eggs, don't do it. Day 55 is pretty safe.

I had one clutch that I felt was doomed this year and cut the eggs at day 36 or 37, so I cut them and they ended up making it full term. One of the babies was in rough shape, but seems to be recovering quickly. I had to check them daily to make sure they were staying hydrated and to wipe away any bacterial build up...so yeah, not something worth making a habit out of.