Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently have a pair of yellow ackies that is about 18 months old. About two months ago I saw them mating so I set up a nest box with bed a beast. The box is 16 qts or two shoes box size tub with one hole the size of a fist on the lid. The problem is they won't use it not even go in to check it out. I had it in there for about a month now. I even forced the two of them to go in there but they got out as soon as they can. Can someone give me some advise. Thanks.

First and foremost a nest box is not the best way to go with ackies. Providing them with deep substrate throughout the entire cage is much better not only for nesting but, for the general well being of the lizards. This gives them a wider choice of temperature and moisture levels where they lay their eggs.

That said there are a couple of things you will need to change for your nest box to function as such. It must be in the cage well before you observe mating. It is probably best to leave it in there at all times. Bed a beast or anything else with lots of organic material is not a good substrate for ackies to nest in. In my experience they prefer sandy soil with little to no organic material that drains well. You will also want to be able to control the temperature of your nest box with a thermostat. In my experience they nest at 86f every time. You can place the probe to your thermostat at the bottom of the nest box. That way the lizard has a bit of choice as to the conditions where it nests. Use a entrance hole that is a tight fit for the monitor and don't mess with the female when she is gravid. Egg laying should be within 30 days of mating otherwise you are not likely to get fertile eggs. I have seen ackies nest as soon as 16 days after mating.

Again I would consider using a 12in layer of substrate across the whole cage. Nest boxes work good for some species but not for ground nesters like ackies.

Good luck.