What a way to end one and start another - year!

[Redfoot NERD]

Of course each evening I check the eggs in the incubators.. especially when there are eggs that are getting close to hatching.

This is what I found this evening. These are from my big Northern female SONshine - I think she's beautiful -

The above was from Sept. 7th.. below from tonight -

A closer view - do you see what I see? -

NERD

 

[LindaF]

New Year babies!

 

[jackrat]

Whoa!! Congrats.Terry. Happy New Year!!!

 

[Balboa]

Gratz!!!! Happy New Years!

 

[RianSeeking]

Yay! Happy New Year!

 

[Torty Mom]

Yay, how fun is that to be hatched on New Years! Congrats!!

 

[onarock]

Congrats and Happy New Year

 

[matt41gb]

Awesome!! Terry, do you leave your eggs mostly above the vermiculite, like in the picture? I've been burying mine about halfway. Does it really matter if they're buried, or not? Thanks.

-Matt

 

[Redfoot NERD]

Matt I don't think it would make a difference as long as the humidity is right. If you'll notice they are all touching each other - not sure if that matters. I do try to raise the humidity over each clutch at 90 days or so by folding a paper towel that has been moistened and laying it over the eggs. It should be just damp enough to cause a very slight "dew" on the eggs. I use a typical 'meat-baster' to wet the paper towel [ it should dry-out within 24 hrs ] every day.

That egg pipped at around 114 days which is earlier than the usual 120-125 days. Let's see how the other 5 do.

Terry K

---

And thanks to everyone.. let's all resolve to be healthier in 2011(?)!!!

 

[Tom]

Somebody wants out. Any updates for us today?

 

[Redfoot NERD]

Somebody wants out. Any updates for us today?

Good Q? Tom!

It may take another day or 2 before anymore 'pipping'. I think they're in there testing the inside of the egg for the weakest spot to open next.

Will keep a daily update.. this is the time where patience is vital.....

 

[Redfoot NERD]

Day 2.. and right on schedule -

Look close new pips -

I think he's in there sideways.. not sure which way yet... probly SON-side up ( sorry 'bout that )

Terry K

 

[jlyoncc1]

Lucky Duck! Can't wait to see more pics Terry!

 

[matt41gb]

Matt I don't think it would make a difference as long as the humidity is right. If you'll notice they are all touching each other - not sure if that matters. I do try to raise the humidity over each clutch at 90 days or so by folding a paper towel that has been moistened and laying it over the eggs. It should be just damp enough to cause a very slight "dew" on the eggs. I use a typical 'meat-baster' to wet the paper towel [ it should dry-out within 24 hrs ] every day.

That egg pipped at around 114 days which is earlier than the usual 120-125 days. Let's see how the other 5 do.

Terry K

---

And thanks to everyone.. let's all resolve to be healthier in 2011(?)!!!

---

Hey, sorry for the late response. I was out at a lake in East Texas. Thanks for getting back with me on that. I just checked on my red-foot eggs tonight and I have 4 out of 6 that appear fertile. I have one hatchling in there with them that hatched out a little over a month ago. I'll post some pictures so you can tell me if you think that they're fertile, or not.

-Matt

 

[moswen]

oooh how exciting!! you're bringing new life into the world, there's no greater gift on earth! happy new year haha!

 

[Redfoot NERD]

UPDATE - Jan. 4 - 10A

( I had a meeting to attend today @ 11A. so I wasn't able to post this a.m. ) I checked the incubator to see.. had a good idea what to expect -

The egg acted like there was something alive in it! It expanded and contracted.. like something inside trying to get outside -

----- he doesn't have a head!!!

More later...

Terry K

 

[Redfoot NERD]

Shortly after 3:30P he made the big "push" -

Not sure which direction he's coming out -

Almost there -

Here we go!.. but had to stop and rest -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM-1vblmtdE

Free at last -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOwfP2RMaKQ

A new life.......

Terry K

 

[llamas55]

youtube was great, thanks for doing that. Isn't new life mind boggling? It's right side up, working it's legs, and it was just 2 cells 4 mos ago

 

[Redfoot NERD]

And he's absorbing a small yolk-sac very well.

llamas55 the very "yolk" that he grew from is his nutrients for the next week or so.. no fluids no solid food! The first couple of weeks are the most important time of their lives.. at least I believe they are. It seems to make a difference. In other words - shipping a hatchling with any sign of yolk-sac or egg-tooth is too soon and has to attribute to the ailments so many contend with here on this forum.

I changed the paper towel and removed the tiny pieces of broken shell from his plastron -

Will get "leg-shots".. and a good look at his head ASAP -

Everybody seems to like those tiny little butts/tails -

Terry K

 

[RianSeeking]

Awwwwww.

Damn, I want one.