egg issues

[cyotespyrit]

Good Morning Everyone
I am having a problem incubating my eggs; the problem seems to be mold. I have been raising Leopards for over a year now and I am good at the husbandry. Now that I have evolved to breeding, I have lost 6 eggs to mold. When I try the 6 part substrate to 4 part water suggested in the book I read, the eggs start to deflate. I add a little water by misting the substrate at the edge of the incubation container, not directly on the eggs, and soon I see mold. I have tried changing the substrate and sanitizing the container, with no help. I keep the temp set at 87 degrees. I just ordered a 5 pack of GEOs In hopes that it will help. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Cyotespyrit

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Moldy eggs usually mean that the eggs are not fertile, there is too much moisture, or not enough air. It could also mean that the embryo had died in the egg. What kind of incubation substrate are you using? Are there any holes in the container?

 

[cyotespyrit]

There are 4 pencil led sized holes for ventilation and i use pertalite for substrate. My friend said it might be because this is the first time my female has laid eggs.

 

[RampantReptiles]

Your friend is right that some eggs will be infertile but that seems like a lot. You could try introducing the male to her again.
What type of perlite? Sometimes perlite can have fertilizers in it that can affect incubation.
Also you could try this method: http://www.albeysreptiles.com/incubate-eggs.htm

I love my GEOs, I think they work really well. I have had no problems with mold using them.

 

[cyotespyrit]

I made sure that the pertalite had no attitives. Do you think it would help if i microwaved the pertalite before i used it, I would let it cool down of course, dont want to eat hard boiled leopards.

 

[Enigmatic_Reptiles]

It may not be the substrate but the egg viability itself. I have never had to microwave any inc. substrate before. Candle the eggs prior to incubation to ensure fertility and then keep an eye on them. I also would re-introduce the male again.

 

[RampantReptiles]

To get your substrate warm, I would set up the incubation chamber (ie deli cup/tupperware & perlite/water mix) and put it in the incubator for a few hours.

 

[fl_orchidslave]

My well water isn't good here so I use bottled water. Someone who lives about 20 miles from me had trouble with moldy eggs and had been using their well water. When she switched to bottled, there was no more mold. It's worth a try

 

[cyotespyrit]

Everyone

Thank you for all of your helpful advice. I hope i fair better with the next clutch of eggs. Will keep you posted.

cyotespyrit

 

[pelon87]

what type of incubator are you using

 

[roger]

Good Morning Everyone
I am having a problem incubating my eggs; the problem seems to be mold. I have been raising Leopards for over a year now and I am good at the husbandry. Now that I have evolved to breeding, I have lost 6 eggs to mold. When I try the 6 part substrate to 4 part water suggested in the book I read, the eggs start to deflate. I add a little water by misting the substrate at the edge of the incubation container, not directly on the eggs, and soon I see mold. I have tried changing the substrate and sanitizing the container, with no help. I keep the temp set at 87 degrees. I just ordered a 5 pack of GEOs In hopes that it will help. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Cyotespyrit

1:1 ration of water and vermiculite works for me.To put holes in the deli container makes no sense to me because you are losing the humidity that the egg needs