Egg temperatures

[Mike Cavanaugh]

What do you belive the perfect temperature and humidity levels should be in your egg box for Ball Python eggs that were just hatched?

Do these target numbers change as the eggs get closer to a hatch date?

Thanks for the help! just set up my first egg box with vermiculite and water and all. Just want to test the new bater out for a few weeks. Can you tell I am getting a little hopefull?!

[LadyOhh]

89-91 degrees F and 90% and up.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Ok, in middle of test run with egg box setup and incubator. Had some trouble with fluctuating temperatures, but a bunch of water bottles on the bottom completely and totally stabalized the temperatures.

I have a little iris tub that was covered with press and seal plastic wrap and the tub lid. Inside I have very wet vermiculite (pretty much mud) with an egg crate with 1/2 inch pvc pipe legs... so the vermiculite / water will not actual touch the eggs.

I have the temperature set at exactly 90 degrees, with little to no fluctuation. They humidity is reading at 98% and there is some condensation on the tub walls. 3 questions:

1.) what does the condensation on the tub walls mean? anything to be worried about?

2.) with this setup, is there any such thing as too much humidity if the eggs are not in direct contact with the substrate?

3.) That press and seal pretty much makes the tub air tight. Is there a need to let fresh air into the box? If so, how often should that be done


Thanks Everybody!

[Beardedragon]

when did your name change? ( Sorry...way off topic...)

[Mike Cavanaugh]

LOL, last night. I requested the change because people kept hearing about Mike Cavanaugh's ASF's but didn't realize who mcavana was....

so anybody got answers for me?

[LadyOhh]

1.) what does the condensation on the tub walls mean? anything to be worried about?

2.) with this setup, is there any such thing as too much humidity if the eggs are not in direct contact with the substrate?

3.) That press and seal pretty much makes the tub air tight. Is there a need to let fresh air into the box? If so, how often should that be done

1) Means that the humidity and temps inside the box are higher/lower than that of the outside. High humidity but lower temps than outside the box create the condensation. (Nothing to really worry about other than dripping on eggs)

2) Well... yes and no. I would stick with 90% and up, and honestly wish you luck in getting 100% humidity stable in your incubator (I can't do it... And I tried)

3)Yes and no, again. Some people don't cover it at all with plastic, and some do. Depends on who you talk to. If you do, however, I'd suggest at least once a week burp the plastic wrap... It's really a matter of keeping your airflow fresh depending on how you have your incubator and egg tubs.

[JD Constriction]

2nded.

I like to incubate a bit cooler and go 87 degrees to 89 degrees.

Best of luck and let us know when they hatch!

1) Means that the humidity and temps inside the box are higher/lower than that of the outside. High humidity but lower temps than outside the box create the condensation. (Nothing to really worry about other than dripping on eggs)

2) Well... yes and no. I would stick with 90% and up, and honestly wish you luck in getting 100% humidity stable in your incubator (I can't do it... And I tried)

3)Yes and no, again. Some people don't cover it at all with plastic, and some do. Depends on who you talk to. If you do, however, I'd suggest at least once a week burp the plastic wrap... It's really a matter of keeping your airflow fresh depending on how you have your incubator and egg tubs.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

2nded.

I like to incubate a bit cooler and go 87 degrees to 89 degrees.

Best of luck and let us know when they hatch!

Is there any particular reason you like a slightly lower temperature? what are the effects of it?

[LadyOhh]

Is there any particular reason you like a slightly lower temperature? what are the effects of it?

It has been said that the lower the temps (reasonably) helps the babies absorb more of the yolk in the egg, and come out stronger and healthier because of it.

I believe it was talked about on Reptile Radio with TSK...

[twh]

heather pretty much nailed it (doesn't she always? ohh what a lady !)

i like JP like a little cooler temps 87-88,my experience is that a little longer incubation produces bigger hatchlings that seem to do better.have fun!