Cutting the eggs, should I do it?

To cut or not to cut? Why are you in such a hurry? Nature knows what it is doing and generally does a great job. Man or woman’s intervention is not needed. Normally Ball Python eggs will hatch or pip between day 56 – 58. If you are not an experienced keeper you should never attempt to cut the eggs. Not only are there blood vessels that you must avoid but you might unintentionally hurt the hatchling. The only time you should basically cut an egg is if the baby is overdue such as day 61-62. We have had many hatchlings pip on day 60. Or if you feel that the eggs are at risk. The baby needs to remain in the egg until they are completely developed. This is especially crucial to their lung development. When the hatchling is ready to emerge, it will first break the egg sack, then it will make a slit in the egg with its egg tooth. This is the same when a healthy full term human baby’s water breaks. Unfortunately, I have seen individuals cutting the eggs in the 40 – 44 day mark. When a C-section is performed on a human, the surgeon normally waits until the due date unless the baby is in danger and there is no other option. This is exactly why premature human babies many times have health problems. We allow our clutches hatch or pip by themselves. Again, the only time we interfere is when baby is overdue. The hatchling may remain in it's egg for several days to absorb all the nutrients in the yolk. Again, this information is geared towards first time breeders. Give yourself a few seasons under your belt before you start to cut the eggs. In the end, it is up to you. Find out what you are comfortable with and go with it.  

I hope this food for thought has helped some first time breeders. After all you want what is best for your hatchling / babies, right?  Thank you for your time.