This being my first year breeding balls and potentially having 6 clutches, what size tubs does everybody use for egg boxes? I'm planning on using the 6qt shoebox tubs since none of my proven breeders from previous owners have had more than 5 egg clutches. Also who puts air holes in their egg boxes? Having never dealt with eggs before (why I love boas!) I mixed some vermiculite the other day and it clumps when squeezed, however in the egg box there's a lot of condensation. Do I need to lower the water in the mixture or put a few small air holes in the tub? Any tricks regarding incubation that us first year breeders should know? :cheers:

Good question this is my first year breeding Ball pythons as well maybe 1 clutche so far?? I have my fingers crossed and hopefully more later on as well :)

I am a colubrid guy but have seen Buckskin's egg boxes and I believe he uses either 12 or 15 qt tubs. Correct me if I am wrong Buck!!!!

I use whatever size is appropriate to the clutch size. I like a little room around the eggs, big enough to hold a couple inches of medium and a couple inches(at least) between the top of the container and the top of the eggs. You can put a couple small holes in the box and it will be fine. Should help a little with condensation. I usually dont get that happening til the end of the process. So if its enough to drip on the eggs I would add more vermiculite so it doesnt do that. Good luck.

I don't know what size my boxes are they are about 13 x 8 x 6 ish Iris boxes.

No holes - you definitely don't want holes.

Fill 3/4 full with damp vermiculite (I like to put a thin layer of dry vermiculite on top of the damp just as a precautionary barrier) It's always better to start off too dry and add water if needed. IMO if it's clumping it's too wet. Sink the eggs part way down into the vermiculite. If you leave very little space (air) in your egg boxes it will go a long way to maintaining a good thermal mass and lessen your temperature fluctuations in the egg box. Also make sure that your space in your incubator is filled with water bottles or egg boxes it will also help maintain a more steady temperature in your incubator. The condensation is generally from too much fluctuation in temps between the outside and the inside egg box.

I kinda rambled but I think you get the idea.

I don't know what size my boxes are they are about 13 x 8 x 6 ish Iris boxes.

No holes - you definitely don't want holes.

Fill 3/4 full with damp vermiculite (I like to put a thin layer of dry vermiculite on top of the damp just as a precautionary barrier) It's always better to start off too dry and add water if needed. IMO if it's clumping it's too wet. Sink the eggs part way down into the vermiculite. If you leave very little space (air) in your egg boxes it will go a long way to maintaining a good thermal mass and lessen your temperature fluctuations in the egg box. Also make sure that your space in your incubator is filled with water bottles or egg boxes it will also help maintain a more steady temperature in your incubator. The condensation is generally from too much fluctuation in temps between the outside and the inside egg box.

I kinda rambled but I think you get the idea.

Rambling is just what I want, thanks Tosha! I was watching the Barker video today and Tracy puts down a layer of dry vermiculite also. Makes sense too regarding less air space in the egg box to prevent temp fluctuations. I've got my incubator jammed with 6 egg boxes and water bottles filling in any empty space so that's ready to go. Witnessing these locks is turning me into a stressed out dad! :lol:

You can put a couple small holes in the egg boxes without hurting anything. I have hatched many clutches in egg boxes with a couple small holes. Everyone does it a different way but it will not hurt the eggs as long as the temp and humidity are fine.

...OR


You can go substrateless..Which means nothing touches the egg that is wet in any way..The eggboxes must be airtight for it to work,since they will get their humidity from the air rather than through a medium.(Which also means you don't have to worry about to much water.)


http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Coldthumb/5-20-06012.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Coldthumb/5-23-06008.jpg

I use 15 qts for python eggs. I drill 1 small hole on each long side ( never the top ) and haven't had probs at all. I've even hatched eggs in critter keepers before without issue.

I use shoeboxes too...There's a thousand ways to successfully hatch out eggs...Just don't make your incubation substrate too wet...Patience is the name of the game when it comes to hatching eggs...

Check out Ralph's egg setup videos on youtube... Love em or hate em he's got some great vids.... personally he's the :rockon:

part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV9VVOpA3U4

oh and get on the show, brother!!!

Check out Ralph's egg setup videos on youtube... Love em or hate em he's got some great vids.... personally he's the :rockon:

part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV9VVOpA3U4

oh and get on the show, brother!!!

You got that right! Ralphs Videos are the *****! He needs to make more. My patience for good Herp videos are running low.