Let's say you stumbled across eggs in a pet lizard's cage, or you want to breed lizards. You must understand the proper way and method to care for lizard eggs so that they hatch properly. With proper care and equipment, lizard eggs are quite easy to care for. Set up the incubator, place the eggs on the right medium, place the eggs in the container, and do not disturb the eggs that are preparing to hatch.
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Part 1 of 3: Setting up the Incubator
Step 1. Choose the right container
The size of the eggs and the type of lizard will determine the size of the container needed. Small eggs can be placed in a glass or small plastic container. Medium-sized eggs can be placed in the lunch box. Large eggs should be placed in a large plastic container.
- Cover the container with a perforated lid. This hole is used as ventilation.
- Measure the size of the container to be used so that the size of the incubator selected is appropriate.
Step 2. Purchase an incubator
The incubator functions to regulate the temperature and incubate the eggs that will hatch. The incubator used must be insulated in order to maintain a constant temperature. The incubator should also have clear sides so you can see the eggs easily. You can buy an incubator at a pet store or online.
- Make sure the incubator can accommodate the container containing the lizard eggs. Measure the container to be used first before buying an incubator.
- The Hovabator type incubator is quite cheap and is commonly used by many people. This type of incubator works well enough for most species of lizards.
- Using an incubator is the right option for beginners who are not experienced in caring for lizard eggs.
Step 3. Make sure the thermometer used is accurate
Whether a factory incubator or your own, make sure the thermometer is working properly. The incubator used must be at a certain temperature. Therefore, you must ensure that the incubator thermometer is working properly and accurately.
The incubator temperature will vary depending on what type of lizard you are keeping. Study the lizard species you keep to determine the right temperature. For example, most tropical lizard species require a temperature of 25 to 29°C
Step 4. Create an incubator
If you don't have the time or don't want to buy an incubator, you can make your own. Prepare a fish tank, aquarium heater, two bricks, and plastic wrap..
- Place the two bricks in the tank and fill it with water up to the level of the bricks.
- Place the egg container on top of the two bricks.
- Place the aquarium heater and set the appropriate temperature.
- Cover the top of the tank with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and heat from escaping from the tank.
- You can also use a cork box heated with a heating pad. Wait until the cork box is the right temperature, then put the egg container into it.
- First measure the egg container that will be used before making the incubator. Make sure that the incubator can accommodate the egg container.
Step 5. Make sure the eggs are warm and safe if you are not using an incubator
If you can't buy or build an incubator, the eggs can be left to hatch on their own in the vivarium. First, find out if your pet lizard species bury or leave their eggs in the open.
- If the eggs are buried, cover them with a thin layer of substrate. Insert the thermometer into the substrate that is next to the egg.
- If the eggs are left in the open, make a hole in the plastic cup and cover the egg with the glass. Place a wet paper towel under the glass to prevent the eggs from drying out.
- Use a heating lamp and heating pad to keep the vivarium temperature appropriate for your lizard species.
Part 2 of 3: Putting the Eggs into the Incubator
Step 1. Mark the eggs with a pencil
Once found, the eggs should not be turned over. Lizard eggs begin to develop after the mother has just laid eggs. The lizard inside will stick to the side of the egg. Use a pencil to mark the side of the egg that is facing you when it is found. This can help you remember the top of the egg so the lizard inside won't hurt.
Moving or rolling the egg to the opposite side can damage the embryo and kill the developing baby lizard
Step 2. Separate the eggs
Some lizards lay their eggs when laying eggs. Therefore, the eggs will stick together. If the egg is found when the mother has just laid, separate the eggs gently so they don't break. If the egg is already attached, do not force it apart.
Separating the eggs can help protect them. If an egg dies, the fungus that comes from it can infect other eggs,
Step 3. Choose a medium for incubation that is sterile and can retain water
The medium or substance placed in the incubation tank is very important. The medium must be able to hold water to keep the incubator moist. The medium must also be sterile and not cause mold.
- Pearlite and vermiculite are commonly used mediums for incubating and incubating eggs. These two mediums have almost the same characteristics and are usually chosen based on taste.
- You can buy this medium at an animal breeder, garden supply store, or home supply store.
Step 4. Make sure the medium remains moist
The medium will be placed at the bottom of the egg container. Add 25 to 50 mm of medium at the bottom of the egg bowl. It is important for the medium to remain moist throughout the egg incubation process. Add water until the medium is slightly lumpy. Don't add so much water that it drips out when the medium is pressed.
Make sure the humidity of the medium is maintained until the eggs hatch
Step 5. Use your fingers to make a place to lay the eggs on top of the medium
Before moving the eggs, use your fingers to make indentations in the medium. This indentation serves as a place to lay eggs. This way, the egg will be safe and won't roll so the embryo inside won't be hurt. This indentation can also bury a small part of the egg. Half of the egg should be covered with medium.
Leave a distance of about 1 cm between one egg and another. Make an indentation in the form of a line
Step 6. Transfer the eggs to the container very carefully
Once ready, remove the eggs very carefully. First of all, make sure your hands are clean. Do not turn or roll the eggs when they are transferred. Use the pencil stroke as a reference to keep the egg facing up. Place the eggs on top of the medium in the bowl.
- Don't let the eggs roll down when you move them.
- If the egg sticks to a tree branch, cut it off and place it in the incubator. Do not pull the eggs from the twigs because the eggs will break. Cut the twigs as small as possible, but don't disturb the eggs that stick. Find a container that can hold the twig.
Step 7. Place the container into the incubator
Close the egg container. Once closed, place the egg container into the incubator. Record the date the parent laid eggs and the date the eggs began to be incubated. Estimate when the eggs will hatch and record them on a calendar.
Part 3 of 3: Watching the Eggs
Step 1. Check the temperature
During the incubation process, you must ensure that the temperature inside the incubator is stable. It is important to maintain the appropriate temperature so that the eggs do not die.
- Check the thermometer to make sure the temperature inside the incubator is not rising and falling.
- Make sure the medium you are using is moist.
Step 2. Check the condition of the eggs regularly
When waiting for the eggs to hatch, it is very important to check their condition. Eggs may rot or die during the incubation process. The eggs may be too hot, cold, or dry to rot.
- Wet eggs may develop mold, and dry eggs may crack and crumble.
- Take eggs that have rotted so that other eggs are not contaminated.
Step 3. Adjust the condition of the eggs according to their moisture content
If the egg or medium is too wet, open the lid of the container. Leave the container open for a few days so it doesn't get too damp. If the eggs are too dry, add water to the medium. Do it slowly so the medium is not too wet.
Never wet eggs directly. Drop some water on the medium around the egg. Use a dropper or wet cloth
Step 4. Use the light to check the condition of the eggs
You can use a flashlight or a small white LED light to check the condition of the eggs. Direct the light toward the egg but don't stick it. The inside of the egg will light up. A healthy egg will look pink and red with some blood vessels in it.
- If they are yellow, the eggs may be infertile, dead, or still in the early stages of incubation.
- Infertile or dead eggs will give off a pale white or yellow glow. After a while, these eggs will grow mold.
Step 5. Prepare the cage for the baby lizards
While you are waiting for the eggs to hatch, prepare a cage for the baby lizards. Make sure you prepare everything you need, including food. Most lizards that are only a few weeks old should be placed in a small cage covered with a tissue underneath.
- Make sure the temperature and humidity level of the cage is appropriate for the baby lizards. Baby lizards will usually molt after 24 hours after hatching. Make sure that all parts of the lizard's skin are replaced. A cage with the right level of humidity can prevent abnormal skin turnover.
- Place a water bowl or water sprayer if the lizard species you are keeping only drinks drops of water.
- Some baby lizards require cooler temperatures than adults. Learn the right temperature for the species of baby lizard you are keeping.
