Hatching Duration

[Chameleon Nation]

Chameleon Breeders,

I keep getting baby Ambanja panthers to hatch out but they are coming out weeks apart. Two weeks ago I had 2 babies hatch, then last week another one hatched. Now today 1 more hatched. What is the longest, from start to finish, that any of you have had 1 clutch take to hatch. It has been 8 1/2 months incubation time at 78 degrees F. The babies are coming out strong and drinking right away. I am really starting to develop a lot of patience, but man do they ever take a long time to come out once they start. Here is a couple of pics.

 

[CleanLineChameleons]

Wow I would think at 78 they would come out quicker than 8 months. It seems a little high as far as temps. Well they look good...do you have pics of the sire?

-chris

 

[Chameleons Northwest]

From what I have read, the fact that they are not all hatching at the same time indicates you have the eggs spaced apart correctly. What you DON'T want is for one hatch to trigger all the other eggs to hatch (apparently this can happen when eggs are too close together). Each seems to develop at its own pace. You will probably have a nice clutch of strong babies. They look very colorful and cute.

But, it must be frustrating, because I guess you start to wonder if the non-hatched ones are going to make it. I've read of people just keeping their eggs for over a year or so, just to be certain every one got a chance to hatch.

 

[Chameleon Nation]

Sire

Here is the sire and the Dame.... sorry if it's a little graphic. lol

 

[Cainschams]

Chris you said that 78 seems high. I am hoping my first clutch hatches here soon. I started out around 68 to 72 for 3 1/2 months then started slowly raising the temps to try and break diapause. I didnt candle my eggs to see if they had because I dont want to chance it. I am now on around the 5 month mark which I am almost up to 78 degrees which I read to stop. I also put just a few drops of water in yesterday to stimulate the rainy season. Anyway just wondering why you say 78 seems high and any suggestions or thoughts are greatly appreciated. THANKS

 

[ChromaChameleons]

C I didnt candle my eggs to see if they had because I dont want to chance it.

In my limited experience, candling an egg , close to its hatch date , can induce the hatching prematurely. The baby can emerge from the rgg, due to the light disturbance,several days to weeks prematurely . Then it struggles with an unabsorbed yolk sac and struggles for survival.

I have been able to induce hatching with candling on several occasions.