Laying Unfertilized Eggs

[snugglesmom]

My Beardie has been laying for about 3-4 weeks now. She's laid at least 28 eggs that we have found so far in the past 3-4 weeks (she laid 18 yesterday & at least 2 today). We bought her about a year & a half ago & her previous owner told us that she lays every 6 months to a year. She hadn't laid yet since we bought her until now. I understand that this is normal, but my actual question is this: when they're ready to lay do they seem "fat"? Now she's skinny (skinny compared to how she used to look...we used to call her "Chubs")! She's eating, so she's ok in that area. I just want to make sure this is all normal since this kind of thing has never happened before. Also, how many eggs is it "normal" for them to lay?

 

[herpfreak]

Perfectly normal. The eggs take up a lot of room inside of them; they also put a lot of nutrients (especially calcium) towards egg development. Feed her more than usual before and after she lays, and supplement every meal.

It doesn't sound like she's had any trouble, but it is common for females to hold their eggs if they are not given a nesting box; this holding of the eggs is called "egg-binding" and can be fatal if an advanced surgery is not performed.

The average clutch has 12-24 eggs, according to my book.

 

[zebedeepink]

I'd say they seem fatter. I got up this morning to notice my beardie with a very black beard and when I picked her up, her stomach felt extremely distended so I'm guessing she is with eggs again. I really hope I'm wrong although she laid almost exactly a year ago. She has never seen a boy beardie, let alone done the dirty. Make sure you give her lots to drink and extra calcium rich feeders as egg laying really takes a lot out of them

 

[snugglesmom]

Thank you so much for your imput. I think she might be finished laying because there weren't any eggs in her tank when I got home, unlike yesterday. Thank God she's doing what is normal. She's such a joy in our home (the kids fight over who holds her next). We'll just have to get used to her being skinny now. LOL

 

[herpfreak]

I'm glad. Must be a big relief to be done with that!