Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Update!

Zoomer layed another egg that I found today. It was near the water dish also. She had already stepped on it though. I have damp peat moss in there for her. Should it be moister?

Damp peat moss is fine. Dripping wet is not acceptable; however there are many degrees of damp as this is subjective. Floridas will nest in a varying degree of moist substrate.

Other factors such as feeling secure are very important in getting a successful hatch. Is the peat moss deep enough; I like to offer at least 6 to 8 inches of substrate and let the boxies dig to their preferred depth. I use a medium sized rubbermaid bread loaf or slightly larger container filled with milled peat moss and a silk plant hanging over it as my birthing chamber. All my floridas seem to love depositing their eggs there.

Is the area quiet? Loud noises or barking dogs can spook them. Is the enclosure large enough? Small areas can make a tense female even more nervous. Is she with other intimidating boxies. Is she dehydrated? Boxies need lots of water prior to nesting.

Give her all she wants and privacy.... and good luck.

Ric

The substrate is definitely deep enough. She is plenty hydrated. I think the security issue is one I will have to look at. I might need to move her setup to a quieter area. I will look at some thinks to cover teh nesting sight with. Thanks for the feed back.

Well, no more eggs so far, but Zoomer did eat 4 nightcrawlers. She hadn't eaten much in teh last month so I was very glad about that. I'll keep her in the nesting enclosure for a day or two just incase, but I don't think there will be any more eggs. However, if she has retained sperm from her previous encounters perhaps she'll lay a few eggs next year. I can hope anyway.....