Condensation is bad for eggs, but how?

[hhmoore]

Well, I was asked about this topic by a friend from another forum, and directed here after my response (the friend was not Wes, though I do consider him one; and the forum was not Fauna, though that is usually where I play). I'll preface my comment with the statement that I have fairly limited experience with BPs, but I have successfully bred a few other python species (as well as some colubrids) - so I am not exactly a stranger to egg incubation.

The snippet that was posted from the Barkers' book about egg respiration is absolutely correct (and, therefore, I have often wondered about the logic behind people's desire to seal their egg containers, but that's just me). Python eggs, in general (and not including those from drier climates, like womas, that do less well in "normal', or 'standard" conditions) can tolerate varying amounts of moisture & humidity. For those of you that like to quote/reference the Barkers - very knowledgeable & helpful people, and good sources to reference, btw - you may have also seen commentary (I believe it was with reference to JCP eggs, but it is true for many other species as well) that consistency of the moisture content/humidity is more important than the level of moisture content/humidity. Eggs that are kept drier or wetter thoughout the incubation period still tend to survive - but when they get drier or wetter during various stages (in other words, when the humidity level or moisture content is changed along the way), it can be lethal to the eggs.

Yes, warmth & humidity can encourage mold/fungus growth, but I have found that to be most prevalent on eggs, or parts of eggs, that have been touched more...or, to a lesser degree, eggs that get dripped on a lot. In most cases, the mold does not affect what is going on inside the egg...and most breeders will say to leave the egg alone & see if it hatches (some will take various measures against the mold, some don't bother). As far as water dripping on the eggs - one of the most common things I have seen resulting from this is spotting. It sometimes looks as if the egg is thinner in the spotted areas (so maybe it does do something to the integrity of the surface), but other times it is simply discolored. For what it's worth, my feeling is that if you have a lot of water dripping on your eggs, something should probably be changed - whether it be with the incubation process & setup, or your techniques (ie how you remove the lid).

As for the question about whether excess moisture will harm the eggs - it really depends on how much moisture you're talking about...with a good setup, and fairly consistent conditions, getting dripped on a couple of times is not going to kill them. If you are opening the egg container frequently, and more than a few drops fall on certain eggs every time, well, the results might not be so good.

To the person that commented about a bowl over the incubation container - a round or curved top, was considered an almost ideal situation for exactly the reason you described...namely that the water would trickle down the sides, as opposed to dripping on the eggs. (I suspect that it isn't more widely utilized because of the impact on space - taller containers & decreased stacking capability)

[hhmoore]

and more than a few drops fall on certain eggs

(what I really meant was, if water pours off the lid onto the egg)

[starmom]

Lol, I love the use of wence. Somehow your post reminded me of Gandalf sitting in the egg container looking up at the drops of condensation and saying'

"You....shall not.....pass!!!!!"

JonV

[wilomn]

Typical Wes...LOL...Yep - I'll say it again - Your advice sucks...Funny thing is - Everybody who contributed to this thread all said the same thing but you...IMO - I'd listen to the Barkers and take their advice before I gave your babble a second thought...For the record - I live to dissapoint you - Nothing makes my day more complete...I'll give you the last word - No point in arguing with the all might Wes Pollack - To much for my little narrow mind to handle...Do us all a favor and go back to Fauna...Which species of Pythons did you say got their eggs rained on...LOL...It's like a bad joke...
BT

Stupidity is disappointing, I can't help expecting more from people, it's just that I have such high hopes for my fellow man. Alas.

However, it does provide amusement.

Thanks for the chuckles and feel free to continue providing them.

[starmom]

I have no such high hopes for my fellow men~ none of you can help but fight to settle differences. Glad I'm a woman in this life

[MarkS]

Just personal experience, but yes I have lost eggs that were being dripped on regularly due to condensation. Ball python eggs as well as corn snake and king snake eggs. Since I started covering all of my eggs with paper towels it hasn't been much of a problem.

Mark

[nevohraalnavnoj]

Just personal experience, but yes I have lost eggs that were being dripped on regularly due to condensation. Ball python eggs as well as corn snake and king snake eggs. Since I started covering all of my eggs with paper towels it hasn't been much of a problem.

Mark

I thought of this, but I was worried about the paper towel falling to the side and then actually drawing up the condensation that accrued on the side of the egg box.

JonV

[ShawnT]

Just personal experience, but yes I have lost eggs that were being dripped on regularly due to condensation. Ball python eggs as well as corn snake and king snake eggs. Since I started covering all of my eggs with paper towels it hasn't been much of a problem.

Mark

Mark, Do you have any pictures of the setup you use?

[MarkS]

I thought of this, but I was worried about the paper towel falling to the side and then actually drawing up the condensation that accrued on the side of the egg box.

JonV

It hasn't been a problem. The moisture spreads out and makes the paper towel slightly damp to the touch but not soaking wet. Actually, it probably helps even out the humidity levels.

[wilomn]

Some of us were also talking of occasional drip, not constantly falling drops.

A few drops on occasion, will not hurt eggs.

A constant drip, well, that's not occasional. Is it?