Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello Everyone,

I am all set up for my female to lay, but now I'm not sure if she's even gravid. Is there a way I could tell? She is 2.5 years old and came out of brumation 6 weeks ago. My male is 11 months old. They have shown breeding behavior during the several times I put them together, but I've never acually seen them breed. I have them seperated and the female has a rubbermaid laying box. She stopped eating about a week ago (crix, mealworms, waxworms, greens) and is constantly scratching at the glass, but not digging in the sand or laying box. I read somewhere that you cannot feel the eggs in the female if they are infertile. Is this true? I bought a hovabator and have it ready for eggs at 84 degrees, but I am more concerned with her being able to expel the eggs, fertile or not. So, how can I tell if she's gravid? Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

-Greg

Sounds like she's showing the signs. Has she had a rapid increase in weight lately? Sometimes soaking them in a warm bath first and then feeling around the belly helps find the lumps. Gestation is 20 days give or take.

Sean
Heart Mountain Herps

She brumated for about 5 months, so when she woke up she looked like she lost weight, but she gained it back a couple weeks after. Honestly, she's always been fat, so that's why it's so hard for me to tell. I will try a warm bath and then feel for eggs. I just don't know if she's scratching the glass to try to get to the male to breed or if she's looking for some other place to lay. He is housed below her, so she can't see him, but she might be able to hear and maybe sense that he's there. Thanks for your advice.

Greg