Reptile & Amphibian Forums

she breed about three weeks ago and now she seems slow and will not eat....I soaked her in warm water and she woke up and got a litle pep in her step....whats your thought people....Red

here is a pic of her..........

Red,

It is not uncommon for female Gilas to continue to feed until shortly before egg laying. However, I would expect most to refuse food around the time of ovulation. At ovulation, the female will look visibly swollen (like she just ate a large meal). You may also notice a change in color in the female at this time.

A gravid female will typically go through a period of remaining on the heat (with body temperature around 85-86 deg F), very alert but also very still. As egg laying approaches she will become very active. At this time, I recommend providing a nest box for her.

At least by the time of ovulation any food you give the female does not go to support the current season’s clutch of eggs. Although I feed heavily in the spring, I prefer to shut down feeding (in both males and females) at the start of breeding season and not resume it until after egg laying.

Feeding alters both physiology and behavior (activity level as well as preferred body temps). I prefer to avoid anything that distracts from the most important activity of the time, i.e. breeding.

Unless there is a specific reason to do it, I would recommend against soaking or any other manipulation at this time.

Mark

Dr. Seward's Gila Monster Web Site