Female preparing to lay - questions about lay box

[Dragon4Me]

Hi, I've read the tutorial here and some other posts because the last 3 days my beardie (11 months) has started acting exactly as described for pre-egg laying behavior. I think she may have been triggered to cycle her eggs because the week before last she had a vacation with her original breeder for 8 days and there were a couple other lizards near her. The breeder said she is very healthy, great condition and that combined with being near other lizards may have started this.

So I set up her lay box tonight and plan on using a screen lid with a dome light for heat and light but here's my concern...I work during the day. If it is set up safely, should I leave her in it all day until I come home? My daughter will be in and out and can check on her. I don't think I have much choice. She is still eating (today she ate some of her veggies and about 20 Phoenix worms - not her usual amount). Should I wait until she stops eating before putting her in the lay box? Everything on here says she'll stop eating when it's imminent....I planned on putting her back in her regular viv for night time ....that's the right thing to do, right? I don't want to force her in the box before she's ready to actually lay..

Thanks for the advice! How long does it usually take to lay a clutch - can it be spread out over more than 1 day?

Jennifer

 

[DanC]

11 months, I don't think that's possible.

 

[Dragon4Me]

Yes it is possible but not usual. I've read on here a couple experienced owners say they have had it happen as young as 8 months but it is rare.

 

[AHBD]

It would be pretty stressful to leave her in all day. What you can do is set up a mini lay box that fits in her enclosure. I use a plastic storage container that is about 20 inches L by about 12 W by 7 H. Keep the lid on but cut a 6X6 hole in the corner of the lid, so that there is an opening in the top. Fill it about 3/4 of the way with damp sand. Then keep a log or rock next to it, put her in there a few times a day [ and she may climb back out right away, or may start digging ] and she should figure out that's her special place.