Egg Incubator Nightmare!

[@realangiechrist]

I would use potted herbs like basil and/or rosemary close to the incubator to repel the flies. You can also blend up basil leaves w/ water, strain, and spray the surfaces. Might have to do it daily, but it will help, and smells good, and totally safe :)

[@Mellmick26]

Chives also deters bugs such as aphids

[@gd2234_]

You gotta do some sort of deep clean in the incubator each year. Like, either fumigate it or use sprayable disinfectant thatll kill the fly eggs. You probably have some sort of infestation deep inside it where you can’t see.

[@cindyhazelton9683]

Candle them to check?????

[@gd2234_]

@@cindyhazelton9683 I’m talking about fly eggs

[@CelticStar87]

Not sure if he has eggs all year round (if he does, he might be able to get a friend to help out by incubating them), but I would also recommend this. I would also look for natural bug repellents that are also safe for eggs/reptiles. There are many plants that are natural repellents that should help prevent them from coming back. Also making sure the vermiculite is stored in an air-tight container would help too (in not already). As some comments below suggested that the flies may be laying eggs in the vermiculite before he has a chance to use it.

[@stevescomedyshow]

"Maybe I'm wrong." "I'm not 100% sure." "I dunno." - Classic Kenan

[@MrLexGr]

I don't know how this could work out for your situation, but herbs (basil, lavender etc) are great natural bug repellents. Maybe a couple of plants in the office could help

[@normapotempa5245]

I hope someone can answer me. Are you suppose to cover the egg container? I have seen videos where eggs are covered and some are not.

[@coldbloodedneeds]

Are you storing the vermiculite in an air sealed container after you open the bag? Maybe flies are getting in and laying eggs in the bag before you even put them in the incubation container.

[@daniels3899]

def the vermiculite

[@kelly5182]

I was just about to comment the same thing

[@snowbiscuit]

The brown objects appear to be fruit fly pupa, rather than eggs. I have the same issue sometimes. They can fit through tiny gaps & when they smell something rotting they go nuts. They don't lay eggs in plain substrate as the larva would have nothing to feed on.

[@betafishjeremy7454]

Just no, they dont eat vermiculite so they wouldnt let eggs in it. The maggots need food not stone.

[@kimlawson9190]

Howdy Kenan, perhaps you could cover the air holes on the tubs with small patches of flyscreen & silicone to prevent the flies gaining entry to the tubs?

[@rickyspanishhh6007]

Good idea

[@Lilith-Rose]

Add to this meshing over the vents in the incubator with a fine screen or air filter, should massively cut down on the number of flies that can get in, charcoal/active carbon filter on the output vent/s would also minimise the scent that draws in the carrion flies.

[@somethingcats]

-Maybe try perlite instead. -Try covering any holes with window screen -see if there is some hole in the incubator

[@comedianmattrossey]

Hi Kenan, When I had eggs incubating and had to deal with flies, I would use a soft toothbrush to dry scrub the fly eggs off. Also to stop cross contamination off the maggots and flies, I would keep the infested box on the floor, and the cleaned eggs would be on a table above the infested box and eggs. Another thing I found helpful was a very fine fabric mesh that I would aquarium silicone or hot glue on the outside of the boxes to cover the airholes so that flies couldn't enter the box as easily. Wire mesh isn't good to use as it rusts and can kill the eggs if the rust works through the vermiculite and touches the eggs. Hope these ideas help with the flies. Keep Safe, Peace, Happiness, Love and Laughter Always, Matt

[@katesear7631]

Hi Kenan have you tried hanging some of those sticky fly strips in the incubator. Bobby is looking amazing, he's so spunky 💕

[@markusklamt9525]

Hey Kenan, You should freeze the vermiculite for a couple of days and store it in an sealed container afterwards. That should help. Best regards from Germany.

[@jerrydease1459]

19:00 those Tail Whips are sooo funny, lol 😂🤣🤣

[@crystalbutterfly4812]

Could the flies come from the vermiclite used? I have used that stuff to start plants and have had flies in my greenhouse I no longer use that stuff?? Great video thanks really enjoyed it especially the babies

[@teddydalton8507]

I know it's a different species, but many ball python breeders use press'n'seal over the tops of the incubation tubs to make them airtight. Perhaps that's an option worth looking at?

[@Lilith-Rose]

As an ant keeper I'm used to keeping tiny inverts in (and out of) places like terrariums and such, so for an incubator it would be mostly a case of meshing over the vents in the incubator with a fine screen or filter media, should massively cut down on the number of flies that can get in, adding a charcoal/active carbon filter on the output vent/s would also minimise the scent that draws in the carrion flies but if you cover all the vents with fine enough mesh you should be good

[@josephalsteen9768]

Use florescent light diffuser to keep them out of substrate. Don't know about flys never had that problem. Putting them directly in substrate they can get to wet.

[@dougsotto9825]

You could try nature scents for the flies. Cinnamon - use cinnamon as an air freshner, as flies hate the smell! Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils - Not only will spraying these oils around the house create a beautiful aroma, but they will also deter those pesky flies too.

[@susanmartin3762]

Oh goodness!!!- how adorable!! It doesn't look real!! So cute any tiny! You are such a great Guardian!

[@isabelletaljaard437]

Awww i want a cherry head baby so bad! Thanks for making these types of videos that show that keeping animals doesnt always go smoothly. Love your channel!!! ❤

[@heleninglis9961]

That sucks. I'm so glad we don't have smell-a-vision!🤣🤢 Welcome to the world little 1s!❤

[@jorgreiling2755]

*** Hello Kenan. In my active time as a breeder I used Essential oil's in my incubator's. Simple open the bottle and place it on the bottom of the incubator. Most effective is peppermint, lavender and menthol oil. By the way, it also covers the smell of rotten eggs and make it a bit more pleasant by removing them. Please notice! The oil are not to be used in direct contact with your substrate. Place the bottle outside of the nesting box. If you have more questions, you can contact me on Facebook @ledlitec or @rei.ling.7 I'm happy to share my knowledge with you.

[@pipchip5058]

With chicken eggs, the female does leave a protective coating on the egg. I believe it's called a natural 'bloom'. Also there is supposed to be alot of good bacteria that helps protect the developing egg. I would think it may even be stronger in reptiles, as they have soft leathery shells that could be more vulnerable. Maybe. ☺️

[@kcojco]

Yes. Unwashed chicken eggs don’t even need to be refrigerated, don’t try that with store bought though, they get washed.

[@betafishjeremy7454]

@@kcojco store bought eggs get pasteurized

[@jaynelips6870]

Try fly strips (sticky fly paper) in the incubator and cut some up and stick on the lids of each container and remove when hatching begins.

[@kallazardrakul666]

That baby cherry head is so adorable ♥

[@derekmanners1486]

Hey can you do an update on shelly? Id like to see how her shell has healed . Ty. Derek from ct.

[@beckyjackson7755]

Love the information and seeing those little ones breaking out!

[@davidkelly1298]

Have you thought of using hatchrite trays to put the eggs on?

[@alexandrastangl8982]

Thank you for sharing this video. It really shows everything that can happen to eggs. Your the bestest! Xoxox Be careful with Bobby....he’s a little tough guy! So cute!!!!

[@tamyswenson6318]

To clean the eggs you could try a mushroom brush. Very soft and gentle.

[@cyndilanders1409]

That would be perfect!

[@aneekkachhwaha]

As much as the outdoors of kamp Kenan has amazing actions the indoors are also having some great actions

[@Cberk03]

I always learn something cool when I watch your videos.

[@andrewbyrde7133]

Have you tried putting a bowl of white vinegar? Apparently bugs doesn't like vinegar 🤔. Could be worth a try?

[@varanidguy]

Incubation problems are such a drag. I've had problems with mold lately, the vermiculite doesn't seem too moist. The formula is the same that's worked before with up to 100% hatch rates...this time I've lost 5 out of 11 ackie eggs. So frustrating!

[@kylegawron5358]

maggots and fly eggs wig me out XD makes me want to gag

[@nancydesbois8202]

Not sure if this will help, I use Raid Fly Sticks to help with flies/gnats. You can hang them or leave them in the box after peeling off the opening...may be able to place them in between egg boxes. I don't believe they have any insecticide.

[@armoredreptiles]

Are there any elongateds in there? Love to see that species and any little hatchlings!

[@andreabais5126]

Use a soft bristle paintbrush to clean off the eggs rather than your hands if this happens again, and when you have the eggs set up inside make sure you sit the box near some envelope sticky gnat traps! :) They come in a box from Walmart, they're cheap but they have done an amazing job at obliterating an infestation I had in my ornate wood turtle's habitat one year. I live in north Florida so fly strikes happen here too in the spring and especially summer and I've found it's best to have something aerated circulating near the entrance to the incubation area that keeps the flies away such as mild incense (if you don't mind smokiness) or citronella essential oil (flies hate acidic, commonly known as "lemon-y" scents because they can't lay eggs in high acid environments), or if you need to bring out the big guns, place blocks of cedar wood soaked in pure cedar oil by windows, doors, corner moldings, and the incubation box itself (this is the most costly but it's worth it in my opinion because it's natural and in my experience the most effective and longest lasting solution). And it makes good potpourri once your eggs hatch, like scented pinecones haha!! Those are the three best methods I've used that keep the flies down. Also by leaving the occasional house spider alone- they pay their rent by keeping my ceiling corners clean and I appreciate their hunting. Love Kamp Kenan even though my autocorrect always wants to call you Kebab!!!! Good luck with everybody at the Kamp and the channel- I hope all ends well and all the little tortlets start their long prosperous lives with you as their proud father. Much love💕 from Jacksonville, FL😄😁😎🤠

[@ShebaCasper]

I raise grindal worms for my Scarlet Badis fish and what I do to keep flies from invading my worm container is I put aquarium filter floss in the holes I drill in the containers. Works for me.

[@Littlewings1211]

The dark part at the base of the egg when you put then deeper into the vermiculite - is that not just more moisture in that part of the egg shell?

[@jari.tokimeki]

Perhaps put a sheer, breathable cloth on top of the eggs before closing the container to keep the flies out. An example of the fabric I was thinking of was (silk) organza or perhaps nylon (a fabric similar to pantyhose).

[@haydnnoel]

Put a jar of a mixture of blue dawn dish soap, pickle juice and apple cider vinegar ! It attracts and kills flies and it’s natural !

[@christinemcleod6694]

You could always try a mushroom cleaner. Very, very soft bristles.

[@benvolio28]

I’ve used a fly catch with bottle, paper cone (with the point in the bottle), and vinegar or other type liquid. Could put one inside the incubator?

[@devinhoar2389]

To clean the eggs off would it be easier to use a sponge with a very mild abrasive side? So u get all the dirt, mucous, and fly eggs off?

[@tressahendrix0231]

Could you put some type of herb inside the incubator. A lot of herbs are insect repellents, idk if it would be similar with the flies but just a thought

[@Juicejunkie409]

Where can I buy one of your turtles from is there a website?

[@rickyspanishhh6007]

Kenan: its ok guys I'm not rotating them too much. Also kenan: proceeds to flip the egg upside down and shake it

[@iveylunetteroth]

Would lining the side of the incubator on the outside with something that deters flys work? And maybe keep a zapper and a sticky trap in the room to cutt down on the flys

[@english8553]

Hi Kenan can i ask you something.... when are you getting your lizards from kevin ? i'm looking forward to your new baby lizards coming to kamp kenan.

[@kiva1809]

Just a shout out. Thanks fòr all the knowledge.It just in time. Chris G

[@alexhooijschuur5131]

1. Clean your Incubator, if you havn't. Make sure to check deep and see if there are holes where the flies could stow away or enter from. 2. Consider natural bug repellants. Self-explanatory, others have offered their insight. 3. Could be the substrate, especially if you leave it open. Consider something different or cleaning it. 4. You should really try and clean the eggs as best you can without doing damage before you put them into the incubator. Since your Turtles lay them outside, there is a higher chance they could come into contact with fly eggs. Imo, this is most likely. 5. Could be your home as well. Possible cracks and crevices. Only takes one fly to sneak into the incubator to cause an infestation. Every possible solution I could think of.

[@quazai26]

This is so awesome to watch! Thanks for the education!

[@aneekkachhwaha]

Oh that baby was so adorable 😍

[@devrabiallas1292]

I may be wrong, but I believe I've seen you put eggs in there while they still had dirt from the nest on them could that be where the flies came from because you didn't then clean them before you put them in the box and into the incubator

[@AlexOliver86]

Use "Sim Containers", use the no substrate method. The fly eggs are probably coming in the vermiculite.

[@susy9601]

Have you done this yourself? Can you explain the process? I've lost over 3 clutches doing the vermiculite. Can't get it right.

[@loganvandyke881]

@@susy9601 he may have not but they are special containers an individual sells who's bred just about every monitor/snake and hatched out eggs using trays inside water containers. Apparently other individuals have had success with different tortoises, geckos, other lizards and even small crocodilians. It is a great option for someone that wants security with their clutches without mess. The company's on instagram, but I don't know of anywhere else.

[@mouldyrx8]

Try hatchrite American development and I’m not my second year using it and it’s 100% better that vermiculite

[@lexslate2476]

... guard spiders? Just a little box with some tiny little spiders. I'm not a reptile keeper, but I do encourage the spiders in my house. Like somebody has to liquify and then chug the insides of the bugs that get in my house and I don't want to do it myself because it is a lot of work.

[@red_gryphon7838]

Could the egg-boxes be put into fine mesh bags? Keep the flies from crawling in without blocking airflow?

[@jebVlogs556]

Bobby Robbino *spots* Kenan "No touchie,no touchie!!" *hisses* *Tail slaps* super effective Kenan "Come on bobby!!" 😭 Bobby Robbino "Back off *mean 👀 face* "

[@thelmahall2593]

It would be neat to see day by day updates I'd like to see what the turtle is curled up even part.y looks like

[@guttabeats7464]

U gotta figure it out love to see 👀 a better survive ratio

[@pipchip5058]

Oh gosh. That's difficult. :/ Rest assured they are in great hands 👍❤️

[@taguato2000]

using a soft paint brush should make a little easier to clean the eggs of maggots and goo

[@cmcmillan22]

Hey Kenan you should try sim containers

[@ankr3w1]

aw man, poor eggs. mother nature will always have her way tho. it is what it is unfortunately. you do good things man i appreciate it.

[@fantasticology]

Hi Kenan and everyone! I was doing some renovation in my backyard when I found tiny lizard eggs. I want to host them in a box until they hatch. Do they need to be turned upside down periodically like chicken eggs or not? I need a quick answer. Please help. Thanks much! - Mehmet

[@shennatabbutt6265]

Maybe put the boxes in a fine mesh bag to prevent the flies from getting inside the egg boxes.

[@danielled8665]

That was my suggestion too. Like a bag for washing bras or keeping flies off food outdoors lol

[@tobiasscharpff4457]

There are glue traps for small flies (at least here in Germany) these might just reduce the problem as they trap every fly that touches them. But instead of insect poison it might be an easy an cheep solution. The Traps could be attached to the inside of the lid so they are out of the way.

[@theperson5185]

Hi Kenan, I have a red foot tortoise and his bottom jaw has outgrown his top jaw. What can and should I do to help him. He also doesn’t like to eat anything besides tortoise pellets

[@taguato2000]

Carrion flies don’t lay eggs on substrate, only in already dead meat (or eggs), so dont worry about them coming with the substrate, they also wont "kill" the turtle eggs but they can spread bacteria that could I suggest having a separate tray to put all the "suspicios of being dead" eggs, so if you have maggots, hopefully it will be just on one tray, the tray that has already the already suspicious bad eggs

[@johelbai]

Is there like a beetle or something that will eat the larvae but not the eggs that you can put in with eggs?

[@Rannerud]

oteresting about the eggs. hen eggs goes better in a incubator if you dont wash it.. it would be intersting if it was the same with reptile eggs. i wonder can you light eggs frome a reptile with a brigt flashligt to se whats inside ? dose that work on reptiles?

[@jesuskingchavez4274]

Are they going to be available for sale? The baby cherry heads?

[@stevenfinet3100]

I wonder if it would be safe to use the mosquito dunks by soaking them in the water used to mix with the vermiculite. My understanding is those bacteria in the dunks would only kill the winged insect larva , and the tortoises should be safe

[@carschmn]

Wet wipes would probably work nicely to clean the eggs. I wonder if sprinkling the eggs with diatomaceous earth would help prevent the problem.

[@herpdiversity9152]

Those flies are so annoying sticky fly traps around it are what I use. They only cut down on the amount of flies alittle bit but they are not pesticides and it is worth it.

[@Trapluhhoe]

touching fly eggs with no gloves boy yu a gangsta 😂😂

[@curtism-w6b]

Bobby Rubino 😭😂 Y'all are wrong for naming him that 😂😂😂

[@smckee42]

is there a tortous that would do well up here in michigan?

[@jmease96]

They make a organic spray called kneem or neem oil that has always worked well for those type of flies just a thought ta check into live your work buddy

[@feliciapeterson7120]

Have you tried the apple cidar vinegar trick? I place little vials around my home each year & it draws them in within minutes. I'm in Alabama by the way.

[@Intrepid175a]

Once you have the eggs out of the ground and in the incubator box, how in the world do they get damaged/cracked? You seem pretty careful with them and I wouldn't think you'd be putting eggs in the incubator that are already damaged. Is this something you're just missing at the time or are the eggs already not viable and crack as they decompose?

[@MrSpoons666]

they crack as they decompose and the internal pressure gets higher.

[@Intrepid175a]

@@MrSpoons666 - ok, so these eggs are not viable to begin with?

[@danpennington9926]

Hey Kenan, hate that u had fly issues but glad u caught it before it got to all of them.....Are u going to be selling any the babies and if u are what is the price of them??......btw, love ur channel and ur dedication and passion for the animals!! Have a great day

[@thebonillafamily269]

Maybe using a soft brush to remove those fly eggs from the good eggs.

[@acuariosymasbyac4964]

Is a hard work but Somebody have to do it and Somebody who knows what to do and You are the one

[@jess-sweetheartt8820]

thx for the video, great tips and amazing to see :)

[@saifudeensworld3082]

I also know the pain of dealing with exploding turtle eggs bro.

[@luqmanzameer2452]

Can you tell us about leopard tortoise eggs incubation please...🥲

[@RIPPER334]

So what do you do with all those baby turtles? Are they sold? And if so... can anyone buy them? Is there a process to get a turtle/tortoise from you?

[@ronaldw2453]

Just a thought maybe try Sodium Metabisulphite as a cleaning agent.

[@artandmorewithrachelnicole]

Keep up the awesome videos 🙂

[@G93KMA]

Awesome video 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@MrSurgpimp]

Kenan could you use a soft bristle tooth brush?¿

[@JCAnimals]

Those cute little cherry heads though

[@diegogriffin5278]

Hey where do you actually sell your baby torts???

[@Heavens24Angel]

Love your channel...but maggots 🤢🤢..Why didn't you wash the eggs off before you put them in new container?

[@farmert9679]

Get the sticky pads from Arbico Organics. They have yellow and blue sticky strips or pads and that way whatever insect gets in and on the trap cannot get off at all. Check it out for an organic solution with no insecticides, completely organic.

[@EliteExoticsBp]

Possibly a sims box for your eggs , or something that seals up a bit more , if they need a bit of air cover the hole with a fine pease of cloth securely in place with hot glue , Ausome video brother ✌️

[@XIxCaptainKRulLT]

Ain't got lizards I'm breeding, but fish. Got some live-bearers (Lyretail Mollies and Sunburst Platy's) that have been in gestation for about a month now. Been monitoring them, got a seperate breeder tank set up so they can grow there. Definitely gets tedious, but it'll all be worth it if I can raise a few up to adulthood.

[@1Robbinh]

When cleaning the eggs. Why not use a clean cloth with water to remove the insects ?

[@rickyspanishhh6007]

That would have been easir

[@timsigmon876]

Those are pretty clearly fungus gnats. The best way that I've found to control/prevent them is to keep your egg containers covered with mosquito netting. I do this by cutting out the middle of the tops of the containers leaving 1-3 inches around the perimeter and no other holes in the containers themselves. Then I simply lay mosquito netting across the top of the container overhanging all sides by an inch or so and snap on the lid to hold it in place. Voila! No fungus gnats can get in there to lay eggs, etc. And, even if an egg goes bad there's no problem (except for the smell). I've successfully used this technique for years (after years of struggling with fungus gnats).

[@JamieS1992]

3:20 yes Kenan rubber gloves like a doctor might use XD