Sudden drop in temperature - P. bairdi

[Krister]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and hade some questions regarding the incubation of eggs of Pantherophis (Elaphe) bairdi. I have one clutch in the incubator. They've been cooking since may 1st and are ready to hatch anyday.

This night I've experienced a sudden drop in temperature which lasted eight hours, which left the eggs at a temperature of approximately 21-22 degrees celcius (70-71 F). Should I worry that this drop has damaged the eggs/snakes?

Also, the eggs have swelled alot and look like they are ready to burst any day. Some clear fluid has leaked from them. Is this normal? Maybe an indicator that the snakes are ready to pip soon or is it that the egg has absorbed too much moisture (from slightly moist vermiculite) and are bursting from the pressure?

I'd appreciate any help/comments!

Sincerely,
Krister

PS. Great forum, friendly atmosphere, not at all like the Swedish forums!

[vanderkm]

I am not much of an expert, but congrats on the Bairds clutch. It is my understanding that a drop in temperature, while stressful, is not as much as a risk to the hatchlings as a sudden increase. Some fluxuations would occur in nature, though that is quite a drop, so hopefully they will be ok.

The swelling late in development is typical of what we have seen with our eggs, but they begin to dent in and collapse in the last week or so before hatching, as the snake absorbs most of the fluids and internalizes the yolk sac before hatch. I have not seen reference to fluid leaking from the shells before hatching - would be suprised if it is just absorbed from the vermiculite if it is only slightly moist, but could be over-hydrated if the egg box is really wet.

Hope you will get some additional responses from those with more experience. Best of luck with the clutch - hope to see photos of Bairds babys soon - they are gorgeous snakes and not too many people here have posted photos of them.

mary v.

[Krister]

Thanks Mary for your reply. I had no reason to worry. This little fella left his/her egg today, and three others have slit their eggshells a couple of hours ago.

[vanderkm]

Excellent!! Congrats on the new little ones. Bairds are such beautiful ratsnakes. Hope all the rest are out in no time!

mary v.