Hatch Rite affecting calcification of eggs??

[azgnoinc]

I was wondering if anyone else has noticed their eggs being affected when using Hatch Rite as an incubating medium - see my pics below.
Obviously some of the eggs are making it through as evidenced by the 2 baby panthers I have with another expected probably tomorrow.

Also- does anyone else notice a very noticeable difference in the size of some eggs versus others - again - see the pics below. I've noticed the smaller eggs seem to be less affected by the cracking appearance versus the larger eggs.
I am very interested to know what the seasoned/professional breeders have to say about their experiences with Panther eggs. Thanks in advance for any instructive input you all may have to offer!!

 

[JoeG]

I've never used hatchrite but I can see the cracking of the outer shell you are talking about. I use vermiculite & I have never seen the surface looking like yours. If they are hatching out OK , I wouldn't worry too much. Good luck for the rest of the clutch.

 

[azgnoinc]

Here is a much better pic of the BIGGEST egg in the clutch - there are 2-3 out of this clutch that are this size, and they are located in a couple different containers so I know it's not a problem with just the eggs in this container - these few eggs are easily double if not triple the size of most of the other eggs the same age from the same clutch...

 

[thephotoprincess]

I just used hatchrite on a couple clutches of veiled eggs. They all looked fine to me (including the ones still in the incubator). I had 100% hatch on the first clutch. I never saw any cracking on my eggs as your photos show.

 

[yankfanthom]

I'm using hatchrite and I do notice what looks like a cracking pattern on my eggs. This could be from them growing and maybe growing quicker/larger due to the hatchrite? I'd love to hear more input as well....

 

[reptileman]

I'm using hatchrite and I do notice what looks like a cracking pattern on my eggs. This could be from them growing and maybe growing quicker/larger due to the hatchrite? I'd love to hear more input as well....

I am having the same thing exactly!!! none of my eggs seem to be harmed but I have 2 different clutchs with the cracking patterns on the eggs

 

[JoeG]

Here is a much better pic of the BIGGEST egg in the clutch - there are 2-3 out of this clutch that are this size, and they are located in a couple different containers so I know it's not a problem with just the eggs in this container - these few eggs are easily double if not triple the size of most of the other eggs the same age from the same clutch...

I am currently having the same issue with several eggs that are super huge. I just posted a thread yesterday with pics. I lost a few & 1 hatched out today but no cracking on the shells. Not sure, but maybe too much humidity gets absorbed for them to get so big.

 

[azgnoinc]

I am having the same thing exactly!!! none of my eggs seem to be harmed but I have 2 different clutchs with the cracking patterns on the eggs

It's a relief to know I'm not the only one going through this, as this is my first clutch of panther eggs, but I'd still like to hear what any of the expert breeders on here have to say about it too.

 

[azgnoinc]

I am currently having the same issue with several eggs that are super huge. I just posted a thread yesterday with pics. I lost a few & 1 hatched out today but no cracking on the shells. Not sure, but maybe too much humidity gets absorbed for them to get so big.

I can't see it being a humidity problem, as the really big eggs are in different containers in the incubator, and the rest of the eggs in those various containers vary slightly in size, yet the smaller eggs are the 3 that have hatched out first. I'll keep this thread updated if any of the big eggs hatch out.
3 hatched out of 25 so far.

 

[Texas Ranger]

I have used hatchrite on all my eggs with non of the thing happening to mine that are to yours . IMO it looks like your females need more calcium when they are making eggs or make sure water is not collecting on the lid and drops of water are not dropping on the eggs or it could be you are adding to much water close to the eggs. Like I said befor I have never seen this happen to my panther eggs but I have seen it with my Leo eggs and it was a combo of all 3 things listed above or just one of the things listed above. Hope this helps.

 

[Texas Ranger]

I have used hatchrite on all my eggs with non of the thing happening to mine that are to yours . IMO it looks like your females need more calcium when they are making eggs or make sure water is not collecting on the lid and drops of water are not dropping on the eggs or it could be you are adding to much water close to the eggs. Like I said befor I have never seen this happen to my panther eggs but I have seen it with my Leo eggs and it was a combo of all 3 things listed above or just one of the things listed above. Hope this helps.

Also it looks like you are keeping your eggs in deli cups almost full to the top with hatchrite. I would leave a little more room for the eggs by putting less media in the cup. Like maybe just a 1in or maybe 2in of hatchrite tops.

 

[yankfanthom]

Do you poke holes in the tupperware containers or do you keep them air tight. I have holes in mine and have noticed condensation in them. The eggs look very healthy. I'm just wondering if too much moisture may be the factor.

 

[sarah777]

Wow, great camera! I'm guessing high humidity levels as well. In the pictures the eggs actually look wet.

 

[azgnoinc]

Also it looks like you are keeping your eggs in deli cups almost full to the top with hatchrite. I would leave a little more room for the eggs by putting less media in the cup. Like maybe just a 1in or maybe 2in of hatchrite tops.

Rookie error on to much medium, and I have been petrified about the eggs drying out- so I'll go with your advice on less medium/water in the medium which is what I did with the other clutches I have incubating, though I've never had any condensation inside these cups.
In so far as calcium and the females goes - I made sure that they were well supplemented and added liquid calcium to their water in the few weeks prior to them laying, but I'll definitely monitor that more closely in the future as well.
No issues with any of the eggs I have in tupperware containers using the Repashy incubating medium, so I think I'm gonna stick with that going forward. I've seen your chams on here and you produce some awesome looking critters so I really appreciate the advice!!

 

[azgnoinc]

Wow, great camera! I'm guessing high humidity levels as well. In the pictures the eggs actually look wet.

It's actually a pretty cheap Olympus Stylus using the built in macro mode - they are only about $120 but they take some pretty darn good pics.

Thanks for the input on the high humidity, that seems to be the consensus opinion so I'm gonna focus on resolving that going forward.