Subj: Re: diamondback terrapin eggs

[modelgrafx@aol.com]

Date: 1/17/01 6:28:25 PM Pacific Standard Time From: ModelGrafx To: jonathanhelms@… Jonathan, Congratulations!!!!!! I use the low throw away plastic storage containers that you can but at the grocery store made by Glad or Ziplock. I like the ones with the see-thru blue lids. I poke a couple of very small holes in the top. I used perlite this last summer and it worked very well for me. I previously have used vermiculite but the perlite seemed better. You mix the perlite with equal amounts of water by weight 1 to 1. Then fill the container about halfway and place the eggs in the perlite so that the top half of the egg is showing. Then cover the container with the lid. On my lids I cut around the edges up to the bend little snips around the whole thing. That way I can put the lid on snugly without the SNAP lids usually make which I worry might jar the embryo. I incubate at 86 degrees and it has worked pretty well for me as I have been trying to get females. This last batch might have a couple of boys though. They take about 52-58 days to hatch for me. I put water in the 2 chambers in the bottom of the Hovabator and set each egg container on the screen provided. I want to caution you though. In my experience I have found that when the eggs are fertile they start the growth process almost immediately after they are laid. The yolk settle right away and the eggs start to chalk. PLEASE handle them VERY carefully and try not to tip them. How many eggs are there? Let me know how it goes. Vickie

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