Reptile Egg Incubators

Reptile egg incubators work a little differently than an avian egg incubator. This is mainly due to the environmental differences of the two animals. Most reptile eggs must stay moist throughout the entire incubation period. Reptile eggs are usually grouped into these categories, snake, lizard, and turtle. The one major difference between avian and reptilian eggs is that reptile eggs must stay in the same position in which they were lain. It is very important that the specific reptile species that is being incubated has been researched. The incubation duration, temperature, humidity, air needs, and appropriate substrate vary widely.

Snake Eggs

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Temperature: 31⁰C-32⁰C

Humidity: 80-90% relative

Substrate: Vermiculite (Best), sphagnum moss, newspaper, paper towels, organic potting soil

Duration: Species vary in duration of incubation periods usually 42-95 days.

Specific Information:

Gravid females usually shed their skin 3-6 weeks before laying eggs.

 

Lizard Eggs

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Temperature: 70⁰F-92⁰F

Humidity: 75%

Substrate: Perlite or Vermiculite

Duration: Very species specific

Specific Information:

Keep in mind most lizards are temperature sex determinate. This means that the temperature range during incubation will determine the sex of the baby. If a sustained middle range temperature is maintained the likelihood of multiple sexes hatching is much higher.

Turtle Eggs

Temperature: 85⁰F-90⁰F

Humidity: 100% (soft shell), and 70% (hard shell)

Substrate: Vermiculite or Perlite

Duration: 8-11 weeks

Specific Information:

Important to get species specific information. Depending on the environment of the turtle temperature and humidity will greatly differ.