To slit or not to slit?

[Sath09]

Should I go for it? My clutch is on its 58th day of incubation. This being my first time, I wasn't even going to attempt to slit the eggs, but the anticipation is getting to me. What are the risks with slitting? I know you have to navigate around the large veins and stuff, but is there some technique I should know about?

Any bit of advice anyone can offer will be greatly appreciated.

[LadyOhh]

If you can candle the egg and try and avoid the veins and not puncture any part of the baby in the egg, I would say go ahead IF YOU THINK YOU ARE READY.

Pinch a part of the shell, and cut your pinch in a V.

[xdeus]

Technique? Generally you just pinch the shell and clip a small cut to get started. Then cut as shallow as possible. Some people cut a huge skylight, but I prefer just a straight cut.

Actually, I stopped cutting at all and just let them come out on their own. I like surprises. I'll cut if one is late, but they usually all cut on their own within a day or two at most.

[Sath09]

Well, my eggs haven't dimpled (which I was told that they would hatch sometimes without dimpling)... will that be a problem in trying to slit?

[LadyOhh]

Nope.. You just have to be more careful is all....

I usually just make a puncture, and then cut after some of the albumen is released..

[Sath09]

I'll see if any of them have slit by tomorrow morning, if not, I think I'll give it a go. Maybe I'll only slit one at first?

[LadyOhh]

One is good...

Slow and steady wins the race.

[Sath09]

Exactly

[dragondavy]

Or you can wait till one hatches out and then cut.

I like when they hatch out on there own but thats me.
I have one clutch on day 52 and two others at 46 days, I know how you feel about wanting to look whats inside but I figured I waited this long.

You say you on day 58 so anyday now. If it goes over 60 days and nothing then I'll cut, but you are the one who has to make the call.
Some cut some wait for the first to slit then cut the others and some let them do it on there own.

Good luck!!

[Sath09]

I do like the idea of them slitting on their own (I know they can do it better than I could). After rethinking it, I decided that I should wait until Saturday anyway (which would be the 60th day) because I have to do some running around tomorrow.

Thanks for your advice!