Is it ever a good idea to cut a dehydrated, tough shelled but fertile egg?

[Gaboon]

Hello!

I have a pair of eggs (R. auriculatus) that dehydrated and sank a few weeks into incubation. They have since had moulds growing on them but I managed to stop them from drying out completely and they still candle red, although its harder to see than normal due to the dry outer shell. My worry is that the hatchlings may not be able cut themselves out. They have been incubated at room temp (aprx. 18 - 23 C) for around 110 days. Other than the dry outer, a few depressions in shape and the mould they appear fertile. They dont smell rancid and candle red.

What would you do?

Thanks

[docwade87]

I don't keep Gargs, but I would let them be. I have never run into this issue before, maybe someone who has will be able to give you a better answer due to their previous experience(s). Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Keep us updated.

[Gaboon]

Still no Garglets from these eggs... I count 123 days. I candled them earlier and they still appear bright red and healthy.

Any advice...

[docwade87]

just let them be and do their natural thing.

[Gaboon]

I am sure your right, I just worry that the natural thing would be to die trapped in the egg. Hopefully not!

[docwade87]

I hope not either but everything that happens is meant to happen some way shape or form, but I think you will be fine. Just be patient

[Gaboon]

Originally Posted by docwade87

I hope not either but everything that happens is meant to happen some way shape or form, but I think you will be fine. Just be patient

Not a believer in fate or anything like that myself but I appreciate the sentiment.

[Gaboon]

Well, curiosity got the better of me. After much deliberation I cut one of the eggs to find nothing but a few blood vessels and mucho white gunk! My diagnosis is embryological development probably stopped early on as a result of the dehydration. Also maybe the shear amount of mould sealed the shell somewhat by making it less oxygen permeable, which slowed the inner egg from rotting and giving the game away earlier.

I will leave the second one on the off chance it carried on developing and is just a slow bugger!

[docwade87]

I have had that happen before also.....I wish you luck with the second one. keep us updated

[Gaboon]

Originally Posted by docwade87

I have had that happen before also.....I wish you luck with the second one. keep us updated

Thank you very much for your good wishes! All the very best to you!