unburied eggs

[soundwave]

Hi,

What does it mean when eggs are laid but not buried? I found 4 eggs New Years eve but they are unburied. Previous had 4 eggs laid that were semi buried on Sept.2 but not hatch yet and two laid in August that produced one hatchling.

I'm pretty amazed that my female laid three clutches this year. This is first year of her laying eggs and I read in book that the first year laying eggs usually produces unfertile eggs. Is an accurate statement?

thanks

 

[dmmj]

In my personal expeirence unburied usually equals not fertile, but you never know put them in an incubator and see what happens.

 

[Luvthemtorts]

Definitely incubate them. Best to err on the side of caution.
My first Galbinifrons eggs were laid in a water bowl and both of them were fertile and hatched.

 

[egyptiandan]

First time laying females aren't always that great at digging nests. Though once they get to the third clutch they are usually pretty good at it.
I've had it run both ways with first clutches being all infertile or all fertile. If I was still getting infertile eggs after the first clutch, I'd be looking at the male being the problem.
Usually females get better at laying with subsequent not worse. I'd look into your laying set-up if she didn't use it this time. By the 3rd clutch, my females are pretty much pros at digging, laying and covering by than.
So laying on the surface can either mean they are infertile or the female didn't like the laying set-up.
Eggs should always be incubated.

Danny

 

[t_mclellan]

In my experience with Redfoots, Young females tend to lay more unfertile eggs than older animals.
As for not being buried, That (I feel) could just be youth also. My females tend to get the whole nest building & fertile egg thing down by there second or third season.

 

[soundwave]

thank you to everyone for the advice.

 

[sammi]

Did you incubate them?

 

[soundwave]

Did you incubate them?

Yes I did incubated the last patch. It never hurts to try right?

 

[soundwave]

Guess what?

The eggs were fertile and the first one hatched last night.

I think two more will hatch shortly. I'm so glad I decided to incubate them

 

[terracolson]

oh wow...so cute!!!!!

now that is the smile i needed!!!

 

[chikken]

How cute! My day was a little bit gloomy, but seeing that little baby put a big smile on my face.

 

[spikethebest]

congrats!!! what a nice surprise!!!!!!!

 

[allegraf]

Adorable!

 

[RascalDesertTort]

oh wow....now thats adorable! If only they could stay that tiny!

 

[dmmj]

It looks like he tore that egg apart, lol

 

[TortieGal]

Oh my Gosh! How Cute!