Molding and Denting

[Phoenix1115]

I have never had this issue but is really starting to annoy me. I could use some advice.

So this year almost all of my eggs have grown mold. They are in fact fertile. So normally I'd think that the humidity is too high, but what's also weird is that they are dimpling too, which is a sign of too low humidity, right? They aren't ready to hatch yet so I know that's not the reason. What should I do? I've been wiping the mold off every day or so with a QTip but I don't know how or if I should adjust my humidity. Should I just scrap my current container and make all new ones with new substrate to see if it helps?

 

[Olympus]

Could you post a few more details about how you're incubating? Include substrate, temps, humidity levels, etc.

I think switching everything might be a good idea, but wear non-powdered gloves or use tongs to move the eggs. You don't want to touch them and end up transferring mold around by accident.

 

[Phoenix1115]

I'm using vermiculite. To make it I added just enough water that it clumps and holds its shape when squeezed but not excess water drips out.

My eggs start at 83 degrees and get moved to 88 degrees after 25 days.

They're in plastic containers with one small air hole and my incubator is a converted mini fridge. I've been opening the containers every other day to wipe off the mold.

I don't have something to measure the humidity but there is condensation on the lid. The vermiculite itself is starting to get looser but I've been reluctant to add more water since there is mold.

Which is more dangerous, denting or molding?

 

[DrCarrotTail]

I've heard of others using the "enough water until it clumps" method ask about similar issues. I believe your substrate is probably far too wet, the moisture is killing the eggs and then they start to dent because they are no longer alive. I would try weighing your dry vermiculite, multiplying that weight by .8, adding that much water and using that as your substrate. It shoud feel almost dry if it looks or feels wet at all it is too moist. I might also put your vermiculite and water mix in the microwave for 10 seconds or so to sterilize it. Let it come to room temperature and sit in your incubator overnight so it gets to the right temperature before adding eggs to it.

I've had eggs dent before from being too dry and they plump up again nicely. Once the embryo dies the eggs also start to dent and they never plump back up and also mold so I don't have a good answer to which is worse - depends on what the problem is.

 

[Phoenix1115]

Ohh those are good ideas I'll try that out tonight after work. I hope it's not too late!

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Just make sure you give the new container and vermiculite a few hours in the incubator before putting eggs into it. Also make sure it's not so hot or so cold when you put it in the incubator that it really messes with the temperature inside it. Room temperature should be fine but after microwaving it may be quite hot. Don't microwave too long or you may wind up with really stinky burnt vermiculite...haha.

 

[Phoenix1115]

I think I might switch over to perlite and give that a try. Someone also mention using boiling water to mix with the substrate too to help sterilize it

 

[DrCarrotTail]

I just wash mine twice and then pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (depending on how big the container is). I haven't had a mold issue yet