The image to the left shows a embryo, that did not go full term, but did live, and develop for some time, before failing. The other clutch mates all did fine, but for whatever reason this animal did not make it. As you can see, there is clearly a eye, mouth and visible growth on the snake, though it is lacking structure, coloration, and other aspects in which you would expect a full term animal to have.

Other than, "in egg deaths", there is also the very common "the snake came out of the egg, stretched out, and died." story. This can happen, and has happened time and time again. Ive heard many stories where a snake has been fully developed, absorbed its yolk, and looked to have nothing physically wrong with it, and as it exited the egg, it dies.

Lastly, the other most common way to loose a hatchling, is for it to go full term, come out of the egg, and live. But then it may never eat on its own, or it may have internal problems in which you do not know about. I (Theo) personally deal with feeding and taking care of all our hatchlings, and its very hard to watch a animal fail. Recently i had lost a hatchling due to it not eating, and after a few force feedings, it did not make it. Its very hard, because we truly love these animals, and we all try our hardest to give them the best life, and care we possibly can. Though in some cases, such as this, it just isn't meant to be.

Other than dealing with deaths, there is still the possibilities of failure. Such as severe deformities, and neurological problems. Snakes being born with two heads, one eye, one hemipene, over bite, under bite, kinks, etc can happen.
Its not just a morph or genetic issue, such as the spider wobble and spinning, or the caramel kinking. Deformities can happen to any morph, sex, or species.

Before I go any further, id like to say, I do not want to start a battle of "whats ethical". Ethics are your choice, and others may have a differing opinion on that.

Below I am posting a video of a snake we have hatched out. He is showing no signs of being in pain, is a great eater now, and is shedding and defecating normally. Personally, I see nothing wrong with him, other than his quirks. Others may think he should be euthanized. This is where you as a breeder, need to make the choice, between keeping a life, or ending one. This may seem somewhat brutal for me to say, but it is reality.

Some may view this animal as a very minor case, some may think he should have been euthanized. You as a breeder, would need to make decisions like that. Its not always the joys of keeping and producing beautiful, healthy animals. There is the harsh reality of  working with a living, breathing animal, that's life is truly in your hands.

I hope this post has made some of you more aware, and to really think things through. This is a subject many people wont touch, and will avoid.

Thank you all for reading, we will make sure the next post is a little more "fun".