Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just caught my DI's mating. Here's a pic down at the bottom. DOes this guaruntee babies? They mated for about 5 minutes straight. How long do they keep the eggs in them? When should I expect her to lay them? Sould I put wet vermiculite or sand in her cage? I am also going to invest in an incubator that keeps track of temperature and humidity. What temp and humidity should it be at? So many questions. Please I need answers.

Hey there,

Maybe this info will help.

First off, it is possible that the mating was not successful.
sometimes a few matings are necessary to insure a fertile mating. But, if they did it right =) then they could lay 3-9 eggs about two months after mating. To make a nest box, the old Reptile Hobbyist magazine says to use sand, or cactus soil, and make it just barely moist. You'll want it a little less than damp. Bury this box with the rim flush to the surface substrate. It also says to further entice the female to use this box, to put a few pieces of cork bark over it. You can do that, or just move her to a cage deep with barely moist sand. After a few days she will probably dig her nest, and then lay her eggs. She'll need a lot of water after she lays, so keep that in mind also. Dig the eggs out, but be careful not to turn them. Apparently, they are pretty sensitive to high humidity also. Vermiculite, sand and cactus soil are good substrates, just don't get it too wet. Keep the incubator around 80 degrees F. Eggs hatch anywhere from 60-90 days.
Rear the little ones like the adults, but be aware that they overheat faster than their parents. Good luck with your prospects!

yours,
Phil Clevinger

Have not seen you around lately !
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___

Eve

Hey Eve and the rest,

I died for a short while......
just kidding. Sorry about the extended hiatus.....
I've got a little bit better hold on my life now that school's over. I haven't been herping in a month, can you believe it?!
I am going through withdrawals.... =) Oh well. Glad to be back. I'll talk to you all soon.

-Phil

Welcome back Phil!

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