My first clutch

[Lithuin]

I received a breeding pair from a friend and a few weeks later, I had eggs!

I just wanted some input on my set-up and the eggs. All my research before I joined doesn't match up with what you pros are doing.

Anyhow- I have the eggs in a Tupperware container, peat moss substrate, with a temp a constant 85 degrees (thermometer inside the container). I'm using an in-tank incubating set-up since I have only one female (though, it's in my secondary cage which has no geckos currently). I've been checking the eggs daily.

They're only a few days old, but their shells still have a small amount of give. Is that normal? They aren't soggy, or overly soft, they don't dent when I pick them up, but they're almost... rubbery?

Basically- What problems can I expect with my set-up? Is it too late to change it? And, do my eggs sound okay?

Sorry, this is my first set of eggs! For all the research I did I still feel under prepared. It's still too early to candle (form what I gather).

Any input is appreciated!

 

[LZRDGRL]

Strictly speaking, you can candle the moment they were laid (and for sure, the next day), because if they're all yellow inside without any pink circle, you'll know that most certainly, they're going to be infertile. I see the pink circle immediately.

They should be firmer by now, but sometimes, I get some eggs that remain "rubbery" for a week or two before they harden. Maybe that points toward a calcium deficiency in the mother?? I also have some eggs that are almost transparent, but there is a fetus in them.

Good luck with your eggs :main_thumbsup: Don't be sad if the first clutch turns out infertile (you'll notice if they dent and grow mold in a couple of weeks). That often happens with first clutches. I would get a Hova-bator for 39 bucks; somehow, I don't trust in-tank incubation methods. The expensive thing is the thermostat. I hope you closed the lid of your tupperware container. I left mine open the first year I was breeding, and my first clutches dried out.

Chrissy

 

[Lithuin]

Thanks! So far they're doing great. Still a little rubbery, but they were pink when I candled them and haven't gotten any mold. The mom has been into the calcium dish, so I might try a stronger gut load for our crickets.

I've been keeping the container closed, so hopefully I can get away with in tank incubating this one time. We just got a second female so I'm going to be investing in an incubator for sure.

They're due to hatch sometime around the 20th. I'll update again then!

 

[fuzzylogix]

good luck on them hatching, but i honestly wouldn't handle the eggs any more than necessary. make sure you mark the tops of the eggs in relation to the position in which they were laid. i honestly don't even candle my eggs. i just incubate until i know for a fact they are infertile.

 

[Lithuin]

Oh, I marked them and have only picked them up the once.

Question though. Today I noticed one of my eggs has a spot where it's turning transparent. Is that normal? Neither have mold or stink.

 

[LZRDGRL]

That's normal. I don't know what it is, but some of my eggs are transparent in places, too. I've always had good hatchlings out of them. The eggs looked strange, though!!

If yours are due on the 20th, it's not such a long wait any more Patience, patience! :main_laugh:

Chrissy

 

[Lithuin]

Yeah, I'm so impatient! Thanks for all the feedback though!

 

[Lithuin]

Ah! One hatched today! I must have been off on my calculations, because she looks absolutely gorgeous! I feel so silly, I called my mom and husband, and they thought I was in labor because I was so excited...

 

[Jr. Herper]

grats! Glad your first clutch worked out