Breeding and Incubation?

[Paul112]

Just been doing some research on the net, preparing to hopefully breed some Tokays in the near future now that I have my male to grow a bit and eventually introduce to my female (take a look here to see him )

Anyway, I have a few questions which I can't seem to find the answer for...

1. Incubation temperatures range from 80-86'F. Since the temperature determines the sex, I'm assuming about 83'F would give a mixture, right?

2. A lot of places recommend removable decoration as Tokays adhere their eggs to things, but I thought Reptile eggs were sensitive to being turned? Is accidentally turning the eggs when moving them to an incubator a worry?

3. If the eggs are adhered to the glass, what can I do to prevent the parents damaging them? Some websites say they're protective of the eggs, others say they might eat them and the young when they hatch. Could I maybe cover them with a tuppaware container until they hatch?

4. Since I plan to breed on a small scale, I plan to just make an incubator with a plastic tub, vermiculite, heatmat, thermostat and some polystyrene lining. Has anyone made their own small scale incubator before, and have any advice here?

5. Finally, all I can find for incubation conditions are temperatures, what about humidity? Anyone got any details on other incubation conditions?

Thankyou in advance,
Paul

 

[Hilde]

Just leave the eggs where they are, the parents will guard them and the hatchlings.
The female picks an area of the enclosure where the temperature is suitable, so don't change the heat source around or the eggs might be too hot or cold.
I haven't bred tokays, but have experience with G. stentor, closely related species. If you remove the eggs (high chance of damage), you won't get to see the interaction between adults and offspring. It's almost heartwarming to watch a 'cold blooded creature' serious about child care, something we associate only with more evolved and warm blooded animals.

 

[cliff_f]

Just been doing some research on the net, preparing to hopefully breed some Tokays in the near future now that I have my male to grow a bit and eventually introduce to my female (take a look here to see him )

Anyway, I have a few questions which I can't seem to find the answer for...

1. Incubation temperatures range from 80-86'F. Since the temperature determines the sex, I'm assuming about 83'F would give a mixture, right?

2. A lot of places recommend removable decoration as Tokays adhere their eggs to things, but I thought Reptile eggs were sensitive to being turned? Is accidentally turning the eggs when moving them to an incubator a worry?

3. If the eggs are adhered to the glass, what can I do to prevent the parents damaging them? Some websites say they're protective of the eggs, others say they might eat them and the young when they hatch. Could I maybe cover them with a tuppaware container until they hatch?

4. Since I plan to breed on a small scale, I plan to just make an incubator with a plastic tub, vermiculite, heatmat, thermostat and some polystyrene lining. Has anyone made their own small scale incubator before, and have any advice here?

5. Finally, all I can find for incubation conditions are temperatures, what about humidity? Anyone got any details on other incubation conditions?

Thankyou in advance,
Paul

1. 80-86 would be ideal and the eggs would hatch quicker but usually my temps will fall down into the high 70's at night and a few times in the winter i have had the temps get as low as 69F and the eggs still hatched. I have had The temps as high 90F and the eggs still hatched. Tokay eggs can handle a wide range.

2. I alway leave the eggs in the cage

3.I never try to protect the eggs my self. The parents do a very good job at it.

4. Just incubate tokay eggs in the cage that is the easiest way to do it.

5. Just keep misting and taking care of your tokays like you currently do and the eggs will be fine.

Tokay eggs are very tough. I use to try and take them out because of all the stuff I read (that was years ago) I have actually cracked eggs and they still hatched. Tokay eggs are tough the parents will fine a prime area to lay and they will protect them so just let the parents do their job. Just maintain optimum temps and humidity for the adults (like you should be doing now) and the eggs will hatch.

 

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

Cliffs right on. My temps get from around or above 98 in the cages hot spot (and the eggs are only about 10 inches below the hot spot) down to 70s. My humidity is between 30's up to 70's depends on how much and how often I spray that day.

I personally have every seen any proof that sex is determined by temp. I always hatch out a variety and my temps during the summer get pretty high. I have talked to some people that say it but its been speculation. But if someone would provide proof of it I'd gladly go with it and produce all females hahaha.

They normally hatch in 90 days give or take but I've had them go to about 120. I have NEVER had my animals eat a baby or destroy a egg that was fertile. I have seen her eat infertile eggs just to get the calcium back but not one that was good. My male will actually chase me out of the tank if I get close to the eggs so I never worry about them being hurt.

 

[Paul112]

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just leave them to care for the eggs on their own, saves me the cost of making a makeshift incubator i suppose! How soon after hatching do you guys separate the babies from the parents?
Best,
Paul

 

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

I used to take them out but as it stands I have 4 or 5 babys/juvies in with the parents right now. So you can take them out or watch the parents gaurd and interact with them. Its pretty cool to watch.