Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a female beardie from a rescue a few weeks ago and she has gotten fat and lumpy! She must have had stored sperm? or possibly just getting ready to lay unfertile eggs? Anyways I have been feeding her extra gutloaded, dusted crickets and keeping her hydrated. She has turned into a cricket eating machine! OMG! Anyway I read the books, but they are not real clear on setting up a box for egg laying. I don't plan to raise them. A freind who's husband used to breed them, said it was humane to freeze them imediately. She told me that is was more humane than having lots survive and no one to take them, or to not know how to care for hatchlings. I also would not mind comments in agreement or not with that. Thanks everyone for you help in advance. feel free to email me with any lengthy instructions.
Sky

Freezing eggs is the best way to go if you do not want to hatch/raise them! As far as a laying box, a large plastic tub (Walmart, Dollar General, etc.) with non-fertilized potting soil & sand mix would be all you need. The mixture needs to be moist enough so that a tunnel will not cave in on her, but not soggy/muddy. It needs to be at least around a foot deep, & you want to provide a heat-lamp to keep her warm.

When she's ready to lay, she'll show signs, such as decreased appetite & constant digging, anywhere from a day to a week before. If she has any trouble passing an egg, such as straining, try warm soaks & seriously consider having her checked by an experienced herp vet. Make sure she's finished & has packed soil over the eggs before removing them; it's best to not let her see you removing them. Afterwards, freeze & discard.
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God Bless, Beardie Dreams, & Peace!
Pogoniacs

Thanks for the answer. Other than my box is about an inch shorter than your suggestion, that discribes what I put in there this morning. The idea of killing the babies/(eggs)bothers me, but my husband reassures me that it is more humane than having a bunch of babies and no good homes for them.
She has not started to dig yet, but we will keep an eye on her. I am afraid she will lay them when we are away next week for 2 days on a work trip that can not be rescedual. How long is it before the eggs develope nerve centers? I read this some where but cant seem to find it back.
Thanks again,
Sky