Gecko about to lay 2nd pair of eggs...

[GeckoAlec]

I don't want to mess it up this time around.
First 2 went moldy.

So, this time I have a hovabator set at 82 degrees. humidity is 56 degrees.

I am using pearlite, and have weighed and measured water/ratio.
(is it supposed to be that light) it seems to be not wet at all.

In the habitat, I have a tub with moss in it as a humid hide/egg laying spot.
(First eggs were laid in the ground walnut shells and buried.) I transfered them to a tub with superhatch. Obviously way too wet. They were moldy in 4 days. I left the tub in the habitat with the lid on tight.

How soon after laying should they be moved?
How long does it take to toughen up?
How often do you open the lid to air them?
What is the correct humidity in the incubator supposed to be?
I'm sure to have more questions later.

Thanks for any help

Lori

 

[justindh1]

I don't want to mess it up this time around.
First 2 went moldy.

So, this time I have a hovabator set at 82 degrees. humidity is 56 degrees.

I am using pearlite, and have weighed and measured water/ratio.
(is it supposed to be that light) it seems to be not wet at all.

In the habitat, I have a tub with moss in it as a humid hide/egg laying spot.
(First eggs were laid in the ground walnut shells and buried.) I transfered them to a tub with superhatch. Obviously way too wet. They were moldy in 4 days. I left the tub in the habitat with the lid on tight.

How soon after laying should they be moved?
How long does it take to toughen up?
How often do you open the lid to air them?
What is the correct humidity in the incubator supposed to be?
I'm sure to have more questions later.

Thanks for any help

Lori

First off, I wouldn't worry about the humidity in the incubator. Just incubate your eggs in a airtight container. Perlite should be just moist enough to squeeze into a ball with your hands. I do a 1:1 ratio of water to perlite and have had zero mold issues with fertile eggs. I would take out the walnut shells or otherwise you will probably have a reoccurring problem with her laying outside the lay box. They could also ingest the walnut shells and that's a whole another problem. Eggs should be moved as soon as you find them, within the hour or within the day of laying is best. Fertile eggs generally aren't squishy and are fairly hard but not chicken egg hard. I open my incubation containers once a week. Open and close in a couple seconds will give the container enough oxygen. Hope this helps you out.