Cutting Eggs?

[Strutter769]

I just watched a YouTube video where a breeder showed how to slice open a BP egg with a razor blade. Although he was careful to explain how important it is not to cut a blood vessel (never explained *how* to avoid them) nor did he explain *why* he was slicing open eggs two weeks before they are due.

Other than being very impatient, why would this even be a known procedure?

[Gungirl]

There are a few breeders that have stated that they cut open eggs after the first 1 or 2 snakes pip out. From my understanding some snakes don't have the strength to pip and will not make it out without the help. Correct me if I am wrong...

[Norm66]

There are a few breeders that have stated that they cut open eggs after the first 1 or 2 snakes pip out. From my understanding some snakes don't have the strength to pip and will not make it out without the help. Correct me if I am wrong...

This is what I've seen on videos. It increases the live hatch rate. As for the blood vessels I'm not sure. Some videos I've seen say to avoid cutting them because the snake can't fully absorb the egg yolk and others say cutting them is normal.

[mykee]

" It increases the live hatch rate"
Not at that stage of the game.
The reason people cut too early (54 days or earlier) is because they have no self-control.

[Strutter769]

Not at that stage of the game.
The reason people cut too early (54 days or earlier) is because they have no self-control.

My thinking exactly, Mykee.

[Aaron_S]

There are a few breeders that have stated that they cut open eggs after the first 1 or 2 snakes pip out. From my understanding some snakes don't have the strength to pip and will not make it out without the help. Correct me if I am wrong...

Some people have a different thought on that. If the hatchling can't make it out on it's own why should we help it along and thus allowing weaker genes in the gene pool?

[Gungirl]

Some people have a different thought on that. If the hatchling can't make it out on it's own why should we help it along and thus allowing weaker genes in the gene pool?

I never said I agree with it I only stated what I have heard.

[Strutter769]

Some people have a different thought on that. If the hatchling can't make it out on it's own why should we help it along and thus allowing weaker genes in the gene pool?

Good point Aaron. Agreed.

[Aaron_S]

I never said I agree with it I only stated what I have heard.

I never said you did Kat. I was just using your quote as a jump point for my own :) Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Gungirl]

I never said you did Kat. I was just using your quote as a jump point for my own :) Sorry for the misunderstanding.

All is good..:)

[Norm66]

Nevermind. I saw where it was now. Sorry.

[Norm66]

Some people have a different thought on that. If the hatchling can't make it out on it's own why should we help it along and thus allowing weaker genes in the gene pool?

The answer is obviously money. And the fact that helping a baby having a hard time is a pretty natural thing for a person to do. Whether it's right or wrong I don't have an opinion as I lack experience.

[Lankyrob]

Trouble is with a weak baby that would die in nature if you save its and then it breeds it is muddying the gene pool woth poor genetics, i can understand why people do it but i personally dont think it is right.

[mykee]

f the hatchling can't make it out on it's own why should we help it along and thus allowing weaker genes in the gene pool? ""
Bingo! Give the man a hero cookie.

[jarich]

Im not sure if this relates to snakes at all, but there are non genetic husbandry practices with monitors that can lead to the babies not being able to get out. For instance if the egg tooth doesnt develop or is reabsorbed for calcium, it leaves them unable to get out. There is also some speculation that due to over supplementation, the eggs themselves are too thick for them to get through. Again, not sure if either of these are something that has been seen in snakes, and they arent even proven definitively for lizards, but just stating that there are other possibilities besides being part of a weak gene pool that could possibly lead to this problem.

[Shmoges]

I did it on corn eggs after 1/3 piped and a day went by. I was nervous but I kept the razor edge pointing out and away as much as possible and not down and in, it worked great.