Question: How do I know if they've hatched??

[Aimzs Lotties]

This may seem like a silly question but I'm having trouble determining whether my eggies have hatched yet.. I've heard that they can hatch then stay stuck in their jelly and need help out.. How do I know when to do this?? Help!

 

[swimupstream]

I'm probably the least qualified person on this forum to answer, but it sounds like my batch is a few days ahead of yours, so... Once they're actually "hatched", you'll know, cos they're out of their egg sacks and they'll be lying on the bottom or wriggling around in the water.

As to whether you should help them out, I only know that the Axolotl site says:
"Once most of the larvae have hatched, it is a good idea to tear the jelly coat of those eggs that haven't hatched yet in order to free the larva inside. This can be done with a sharp forceps or narrow scissors that is inserted into the egg and then the prongs/blades are pushed apart."

I have the same question as you really, as only about 12 of mine have hatched so far (that I can find!), and I'm wondering what to do with the rest - leave them, or help them out? Some of my babies already didn't make it :sad: :sad:, so let's wait and see what everyone else has to say...

 

[Aimzs Lotties]

They look ready but day after day they're still in their eggs.. Occasionally I move the water around near them to move the eggs and they wiggle inside.. Doesn't that mean they're ready?.. If they're reactive? It's 3 weeks today I think..

 

[hypno monkey]

Hi, again you'll know when they have hatched as they wil be out of their egg sacks, you shouldn't open the other eggs either as they will come when they are ready I know they seem to take ages but well worth the wait. Usually if they aren't strong enough to make it all the way out you should just let nature take it's course and let them be. Anyway best of luck with your babies and like I said I personally would just let nature take it's course.

Jade

 

[Aimzs Lotties]

I accidently got one out, 1 minute ago... I didn't mean it, I popped the egg by mistake when I was cleaning the tank, and the baby swam right out.. Do you think it will be okay??

 

[hypno monkey]

I posted on your other thread about it. Don't panic.