Exoterra haudontakone laatikko-Reptile egg

An incubation box for reptile eggs, 16.5 × 11 × 5 cm. It holds up to 12 eggs.

The method is suspended incubation: the eggs sit in their own tray above the water or substrate, not in a moist substrate. This gives the egg the best possible gas exchange through its membrane and lets it absorb moisture from the air. The improved oxygen uptake shows in hatch rates and in the strength of the neonates.

The method also removes two common risks: the hatchling cannot drown in the water part, and it does not ingest substrate particles while eating its first shed skin, which can cause impaction.

Conventional moist-substrate incubation requires constant monitoring of the substrate moisture; here that is not needed. The substrate-less method is also more hygienic: the eggs stay separated and are less prone to mould.

The box has an integrated thermometer so you can read the temperature inside the box – it can differ from the incubator's overall reading. Transparent sides and a large viewing window in the lid let you watch the eggs without opening it. The transparent tray also allows candling without moving the eggs.

The material is durable, non-toxic food-grade polypropylene that can be cleaned, disinfected and reused. The rectangular shape uses the space in the incubator more efficiently than a round container.

Preparation: open the box and remove the egg tray. Fill the bottom with 1 cm of substrate (vermiculite, perlite or water gel) and add 100 ml of water. Since the eggs never touch the substrate, it can be saturated. Put the tray back and check that at least 4 mm of air space remains between substrate and tray. Move the eggs from the laying site without changing their orientation into the cavities and close the lid. Place the box in the incubator at the correct temperature.

The lid has one pre-drilled pin hole for ventilation. That, together with opening the lid weekly to check the eggs, is adequate. If you prefer not to open it weekly, or the eggs are especially sensitive, add 1 to 2 extra pin holes.

When the box becomes noticeably lighter, the water has evaporated. Top it up by removing the tray, or with a pipette through the thermometer space – make sure no water is spilled over the eggs.

Suitable for use in the Exo Terra Precision Incubator PRO (PT2444).