Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If a leo is ovulating, not gravid, how long might she fast? How long will she be carrying the eggs until she either lays them or absorbs them? Jak is 63 grams and the vet seems to believe that she is ovulating right now. I just wanted to know these time periods so I can keep an eye on her, too make sure she doesn't get egg bound or something. The vet told me that if a leo is ovulating, it is a good sign that the husbandry is correct, because it means the leo feels healthy and secure enough to want to be a mom. Has any body else heard this, or agree or disagree with this? Thanks for your input.

Sean and Jak

I'll try to get a good picture of her from above, because she is looking kinda plump in the lower section of her body.

When a female leo is ovulating and has egg follicles present, if not fertilized the ovules will usually just degenerate and be absorbed in the body. Occasionally, they will develop into infertile eggs and are laid. I had a female that this happened to and she retained the eggs for nearly 4 months before she finally laid them! My vet wasn't the least bit concerned, and told me she would lay them when she ovulated again... which is exactly what happened. (I was a complete wreck!)

Females will stop eating just before laying eggs, but I don't believe "fasting" during ovulation is normal. During breeding season they will ovulate regularly, and are usually hungry.
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Marcia McGuiness
Golden Gate Geckos
www.goldengategeckos.com

Ok, so her not eating is more then likely not related to the ovulation? I brought her to the vet on tuesday and she got deworming meds and I am awaiting the results of a fecal. I hope nothing is wrong with her, I've done everything I possibly could to ensure her good health and happiness. She hasn't really lost much weight, mostly just slimmed out the fat pockets under her front legs. She still weighs 63 grams and is close to 9.5 inches long. Maybe she's just bored with mealies? I was thinking of trying butterworms, are these good as a staple, or atleast good to suppliment with mealies as a staple? Is their care similar to mealies, as in gutloading and what not? Thanks for your help.