New Hatchling

[stum]

After 178 days one of the three eggs which my tortoise laid has finally hatched. It has been six days since the first crack appeared and the photo which I have just taken shows the baby still in the egg. Should I be patient and allow it to come out unaided, or give it a helping hand and transfer it to my prepared tank with lightsource?

Also, do you think I should leave the other two eggs and see if they will hatch, or give them a helping hand..

 

[Redstrike]

Leave it be along with the non-pipped (so far) eggs.

I've heard others (@allegraf @cdmay) say the hatchlings they aided seemed less robust than those that struggle out of the egg. It has a yolk sac so there is really no rush.

 

[allegraf]

Yes! Leave them alone. After waiting so long, there is no rush now. When they work themselves out of the egg they do seem stronger than when you break open the egg too early, I only help if after three-ish days it is clear the hatchling is stuck or struggling. Otherwise just monitor and enjoy the very slow process. Keep it in the incubator in a separate container
lined with a wet paper towel. That should do it. You can also spray the egg to help the process along.

 

[stum]

Yes! Leave them alone. After waiting so long, there is no rush now. When they work themselves out of the egg they do seem stronger than when you break open the egg too early, I only help if after three-ish days it is clear the hatchling is stuck or struggling. Otherwise just monitor and enjoy the very slow process. Keep it in the incubator in a separate container
lined with a wet paper towel. That should do it. You can also spray the egg to help the process along.

You say you help it after three-ish days, It has been six days since it first cracked the egg. My main fear is that it will turn itself upside down and not be able to right itself. It is trying to get out as it was almost upside down and I already turned it the right way up. I've done what you said and transferred it to a separate container.

 

[allegraf]

When that happens, I gently crack the outer shell and let the hatchling do the rest. You don't want to puncture the egg sac and you don't want to leave it in too long. They don't require food or water while the egg sac is still visible. Once they hatch, it generally takes 2-3 days sometimes up to 4 days. You don't want to leave them in the egg shell after the sac is absorbed, this is where I get my 3-ish days timeline.

 

[allegraf]

Looking at the hatchling, take it out and soak it. It looks like there is a lot of space in that shell. When mine hatch, they are bound tight in the shell. That one may be a bit weak. If the sac is absorbed, start spoiling. Keep in the incubator, constant humidity and temps go a long way for hatchlings. Keep us posted.

 

[stum]

Many thanks for your advice. Finally came out unaided. Have left it in the incubator with a little green. Used a spray to give it a little soaking. Should I leave it there for a couple of days, transferring it to a little bathing water within the incubator for about 15 mins/day, before transferring it to it's vivarium with lightsource. Picture attached..

 

[stum]

Hi all, Just an update to let you know how my hatchling is getting on, Today is the first day, due to Scottish weather that i have let my hatchling out in the garden, He seems to be enjoying himself and getting used to some warm weather( well warm for Scotland)

 

[allegraf]

Wonderful news! Looks like a happy healthy baby.

 

[Redstrike]

Looks like a very melanistic redfoot, very unique! Always good to see them outside!