Hello.



Slugs, soft slimy (not actually eggs) enlarged ovum that were not fertilized, therefore are not shelled. (leathery calicfied layer with a threadlike pattern that drys quickly after deposition)



This without question means its a problem with the male. As mentioned by Gregg and totally correct, timing can be the issue and how they are laid tells you where the problem is.



Timing breaks down into two areas.

1. has the male had time and health to produce and store sperm.

2. did they copulate during the reproductive window. The female cycles and becomes receptive for a short period, Aprox 2 weeks. This is normally when she first swells up. And continues for about a week after the ovum drop into the oviducts(where they can easily be palpated)

With strong hibernation, the loss of viable sperm in males is a common problem. In the field, males of many reptiles atrophy their gonads in the winter, and redevelop them in the spring. This was once used as a method to determine what time of the year unknown species reproduce(relative gonad size)(I do question this)



What we see in nature is, paired up males, emerge and bask(elevate heat) as long as two weeks before females emerge. This is common with many species. This two week period allows the buildup of sperm.(gonad growth)



So, the deposition of enlarged ovum is characterized by dropping of a few ovum at a time in many places around the cage. Normally soon after the shed. And Greggs is right, how these animals do this is important to determine the problem.



If your interested, I can discribe other basic types of reproductive failure.



So yes, if this is the problem, make sure the male has decent temp choices and feeding. Sometimes, males will not feed, as all they want to do is copulate. If your female is supported well, you can see a better outcome on the second clutch.



good luck and best wishes

[ Show Entire Thread ]