Question: How late is too late to post eggs?

[swimupstream]

This batch of eggs was laid exactly two weeks ago, and I've already posted away two lots successfully. I've been asked to send some more (overnight post), but it's a long weekend in NSW, so I can't mail them till Tuesday, and I've just noticed while moving them to another tank today, that the first few have begun to wriggle...

I don't know how much leeway I've got here to send them, particularly as when they arrive at their destination they'll be another 4 days older! I've cooled down the tank with a water change, to try and buy some time...

I know they won't all hatch on the same day, and last time the whole batch took almost 2 weeks to fully hatch, from beginning to end... Obviously, it'll depend on how much the situation has changed by the time Tuesday comes, but any advice on how to select a less developed embryo would be greatly appreciated. They're all fully formed, but some seem smaller than others - would they be the ones to choose?



Thanks!

 

[iSuzie]

All I can recommend is having a look at this site with the stages. Decide witch ones are less developed and send them. Look very closely and cross your fingers! GOOD LUCK!

Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) - Embryonic developmental stages

 

[swimupstream]

Great pictures - wow!!

Now all I need's a microscope so I can see how well-developed the gills are.. then I'll know if they can last 24 hours in the mail

I'll see how things are Tuesday morning, and hopefully there'll be a few late bloomers :happy:

I would LOVE to send 50 more to happy new homes and make some room at my place!!!

 

[iSuzie]

I have a magnifying strip for reading books, its great! They are a little more expensive but they will let you see the gills really well

 

[Kaysie]

I've had eggs accidentally hatch in the post, and they seemed just fine. They probably hatched while I was opening the package (rough handling maybe?).

 

[swimupstream]

That's great, thanks - I feel much better about sending them then, as long as they're not wriggling when I put them in the container to send them!

Thanks very much to you both...

 

[den]

Hi M,
Just to update you, the axolotl eggs you posted to me 2 weeks ago have hatched!!! here is the pic of the two little ones... the others are trying to wiggle out from the sac....

 

[yellowpebble]

cute!!! 2 melanoids?

 

[swimupstream]

Yippee!!! That's so exciting... none of mine have hatched yet, although they keep dancing around like they're about to

I'm really happy for you, and thanks for the pics - hope you get a variety of colours in that bunch

Good luck, Dad ;-)