Caught the leopard gecko bug about 2 yrs ago after visiting some reptile shows, and started trying to breed some last year. I read up as much as I can on whatever I can about them, but haven't had this question answered for me yet, which is simple I am sure. Do females lay eggs every season regardless of whether or not they have been fertilized by a male or do they only lay eggs after breeding? I know that one successful copulation can create an entire season of fertilized eggs... But last season (my first ofcourse) I had two females with one male, it was both of the females first for laying eggs, each layed around 6-10 total. But I only had one successful hatch! And on top of that, that one refused to eat and died about 2-3 weeks after hatching. It also appeared to have deformed front limbs, possible calcium deficiency from mother?? I stored all eggs in incubator and did 1 part perlite to 2/3 part water for medium. Please help set me straight! I love dealing with them and am looking foward to having a more successful season next year...
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Egg laying - Always or only when fertilized??
Replies (1)
Yeah, leopard geckos (and most other captive reptiles) can lay eggs without ever having been introduced to a male.
Even if they have been bred, they can still lay infertile eggs. This usually happens in a female's first breeding season, but can happen later on as well. Another factor is definitely your female's health. If your little girl has some issues, or is too small to breed, then you will end up with rotten eggs and messed up babies. I don't breed my females at a weigh less than 55 grams. Some people breed after 40 grams, but I have always had better luck after 50-55 and always recommend it as a starting weight. It it well worth the wait.
Your male could be another factor. If you keep him in the same cage as your girls, he could be stressing them out. Some males do fine with just two girls, but others pester the hell out of them. Even though he has already bred with them, he will keep bugging the females for more and that can stress them out a lot.
Everything else you mentioned sounds good. Laying those big eggs is hard work for their little bodies, so give your females as much of a chance as you can. Fatten them up this fall, keep them happy, and try again next season. And stop in here to ask more questions if you run into problems. Hope that helps! Good Luck!
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3.5.1 leopard geckos
0.1.0 leopard tortoise
0.1.0 asian leaf turtle
1.0.0 ball python
0.1.0 adopted cat
0.1.0 hamster
