How to handle the eggs?

[Albert Clark]

Does being able to separate pretty much depend on how fast you get to them after she lays? Before they stick together? Also, as far as which side is up... Is the mother doing anything special other than gathering them in close so she can wrap them and keep them warm? I've seen videos where people candle them to make sure they are oriented correctly, but how does this happen naturally? Just curious. Although I have ZERO experience to base my opinion on, I'm in the camp where you should be able to put them in the incubator clumped up because I would assume this happens in the wild. Are keepers that separate and candle just trying to improve their odds so to speak? I know when I have my first clutch I'm going to be a nervous wreck. lol

. I would venture to say that yes, the sooner you collect the eggs from the females coils has a impact on how easy it is to separate them. The longer period of time will add to the eggs sticking together is true. The female first instinct is to protect the eggs by coiling and generating the small amount of heat she does by muscular twitching and contracting. Candling is done mainly to determine vein structure and whether it's weak or strong. Mainly orientation is determined by the position the egg is laid and occurs shortly after laying. That is how it's determined naturally. Eggs are normally laid in a pile or clutch and are easily put into incubation as such. "Clumping" eggs are stronger together and have more of a resistance to outside risks IMO. It is what happens in the natural scheme. I think keepers who separate and candle that way just have a personal preference and surely have their own reasons why. Nervousness is expected on your initial attempts with eggs but you will surprise yourself when you are not a wreck...Lol. There is a abundance of resources right here on bp.net.