Varanus acanthurus, also known as the ridge-tailed monitor, is a species of monitor lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards are known for their distinctive ridge of spiny scales along their tail and their ability to grow up to 1 meter in length. If you are interested in breeding Varanus acanthurus, it is important to know how to properly incubate their eggs to ensure healthy hatchlings. In this blog post, we will go over the steps to incubate Varanus acanthurus eggs, including temperature, humidity, and other important factors.
Setting up the incubator: The first step in incubating Varanus acanthurus eggs is to set up a suitable incubator. You will need an incubator that can maintain a stable temperature and humidity level. There are many commercially available incubators that are suitable for reptile eggs, but you can also make your own incubator using a plastic container with a lid, a heat source, and a hygrometer to monitor humidity. You can easily convert a wine cooler to an affordable incubator.
Temperature: The optimal temperature for incubating Varanus acanthurus eggs is around 28-31°C (82-88°F). You can use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the incubator. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the incubation period, as fluctuations can be detrimental to the developing embryos. I like to set my temp to 84F to get the best results.
Humidity: The humidity level inside the incubator should be kept between 75-85%. This can be achieved by adding water to a container inside the incubator or by using a humidifier. A hygrometer can be used to monitor the humidity level. If you choose to incubate with a SIM Container or similar suspended incubation box, make sure to wipe the condensation off the lid of the container once per week to keep the water from dripping onto the eggs. Monitor eggs need to be dry to touch and visibly moist.
Egg substrate: Varanus acanthurus eggs should be incubated in a suitable egg substrate, such as vermiculite, perlite, or a mixture of both. The substrate should be moist but not wet. The eggs can be buried halfway in the substrate with the top half exposed. SIM containers make a simple and great alternative that requires the least amount of maintenance.
Incubation period: The incubation period for Varanus acanthurus eggs is around 100-120 days, but it can vary depending on temperature and other factors. It is important to monitor the eggs regularly for signs of development, such as veins visible through the eggshell. If an egg shows no signs of development after a few weeks, it may be infertile and should be removed from the incubator. Once your ackies are about to hatch the eggs will begin to "sweat" and bead with moisture. Keep an eye on them at this point to see if they begin to pip.
Hatching: When the eggs are ready to hatch, the embryos will start to cut through the eggshell. It is important not to disturb the eggs during this time, as the hatchlings need time to absorb the yolk sac before they are ready to be removed from the incubator. Once the hatchlings have absorbed the yolk sac, they can be gently removed from the substrate and placed in a suitable enclosure. If a baby comes out of the egg with its yolk still outside of the body you can easily fix this! Watch my video on how to save your ackie babies that hatch with this condition here.
In conclusion, incubating Varanus acanthurus eggs requires careful attention to temperature, humidity, and not egg turning or disturbing the eggs. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully hatching healthy hatchlings. If you have any questions or concerns, it is recommended to consult with an experienced breeder or veterinarian.
Sources:
Australian Reptile Park. (2021). Ridge-tailed Monitor. https://reptilepark.com.au/animals/lizards/ridge-tailed-monitor/
D'Amore, D. C. (2009). Breeding and incubation of Australian monitors. Reptiles, 17
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