How long is too long?

[Lpsouth1978]

Hi all. I have been incubating ambilobe panther eggs since May 2014. On saturday one of the eggs was sweating and had deflated considerably. Naturally, I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first hatchling. I checked in on it this morning and still see no signs of the egg having pipped, though it is starting to appear even more sunken in. There is definitely a baby in the egg. I just worry that it will not make it out of the egg. So, how long is too long? When is it time to give up on the little one and remove it from the container? Your help is appreciated.

 

[nightanole]

Id be worried after 24 hours...

Still we cant tell you to cut or not to cut.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

Id be worried after 24 hours...

Still we cant tell you to cut or not to cut.

I have heard that it can take 2-3 days from the time they start to sweat until they hatch. It has now been 4 days, so I am starting to think that this egg will not hatch. I just don't want to cut into it prematurely. I guess I will wait another day or two.

 

[deerharvester]

I have had them poke their had in and out of the egg for a couple of days before. But, I've also had them sweat and never make it out of the egg. I leave them in until they discolor.

Scott

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

I would cut the egg. Maybe not remove the baby from it but make a slice so it can breathe. With my eggs I had a few that didn't pip after a few days and they were dead when I opened the egg. I had other pip and sit in their egg for 4-6 days without moving so I thought they were dead but then all of a suddent came out and were fine. But they could breathe since they had pipped. Tiny scissors like sold with nail kits work well. Pinch the shell enough to make a hole when you cut then slide the tip of the scissor in and angle the point up away from the egg as you cut and you'll be less likely to harm the baby inside.

 

[nightanole]

Should we recommend toenail clippers? Ive had luck with just "tipping" with the end.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I opened the egg last night and unfortunately the little one had already passed. Very sad! Fortunately, it was the first of many, so hopefully the rest have better success. So far none of the others have started to sweat or show any signs of starting to hatch. Here is a pic I took of the little one last night, at least there is NO question that the eggs are fertile.