This reproductive sequence started on 11-27-05 with the first observed breeding, they bred for several days. There is no chasing, no biting, and no harassment of any kind. This is normal.


The female fed up until the last day, and as often occurs, regurgs on the last day(possible hormonal change). This can happen on the day a female cycles, as well. Starting approx. 8 days after first copulation, the female began constructing a nesting burrow. She would dig by day and cover the entrance at night and shelter somewhere else.(even thought the lites were on 24/7). The last night she did not come out and cover the entrance, so I knew she was going to lay that night. The pic shows her removing excess dirt from the burrow. Also notice the second(gravid) female watching the events. This is common. They normally do not interfere.



By mid-mourning the next day, 12-11-05(my birthday) she deposited 11 eggs(on the 11th) and completely concealed the entrance.

Heres the female basking immediately after concealing her burrow. Females will often seek lots of heat after nesting. Also notice another female basking with her. There is no fighting or violence or territorial aggression. There appears to be welcoming gestures.
Of interest, the night the female lays, the cagements appear to be aware of the coming event and act very different then normal.

Heres the eggs, there are 11 perfect eggs. You can see they were deposited close to the starting of the entrance of the burrow. But the tunnels traveled all around before stopping here. This may have something to do with how they select spots by conditions. They seen to know what the conditions are down in the dirt, from the surface.

Here are the eggs, the white ones in the front, the box contains eggs for various species and clutches from the last week or so.


I hope this helps the newbies out there. I know how frustrating in can be when you do not know what to expect. Good luck, FR

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