Hi, I wasn’t sure if this is right place to ask this question but thought I’d ask here as it seemed as good a place as any and if you’re breeding hasn’t been successful it’s maybe quite relevant.
So we’ve got a 11month female who has just laid her first clutch! We didn’t realise that she was about to lay so we haven’t made her a lay box. She’s just picked a wee corner of her viv and started laying this evening. We’re up to 10 so far in the last 60mins. I’m just wondering about after care? We’re not intending to breed bearded dragons so I can guarantee that the eggs are infertile.
My question is when do I remove them from the viv? Will it upset her? I’m thinking of taking her out for a warm bath and can remove them while we bathe her? Will it be traumatic for her to come back and the eggs are gone? Is it better for her to see me remove them so she doesn’t look for them? I know some beardies might not be bothered but I don’t want to cause her any more stress. Thank you ?
It won't bother her at all, you can even remove them as she's laying them but don't move or disturb her. A hungry girl will even turn around + eat 1-2 if she hasn't buried them.
Their instinct is to dig a burrow, cover them well so that no predators can find them and then go on their way. In the wild [ and captivity ] they would not hesitate to eat their own hatchling.
A good warm soak after is beneficial, gives them a chance to drink. Be sure to feed her well + offer calcium coated meals at least 3-4 times per week for the next , feed her more often if she's looking thin.
Aw thank you for such a quick reply. She laid 20 in total! Gave her a wee bath and then she inhaled 5 locusts! Poor wee thing looked so much smaller afterwards. I almost feel guilty that she went to so much effort and we’re just going to keep her as a bachelorette. But we don’t have the space or the money or time to breed. Thanks again ?