Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have two Ackies.

One is a large, proven female. She laid two clutches of eggs earlier this year. At that time, we had her housed with a male we borrowed from an acquaintance.

Recently, we decided to try to house her with our smaller, also presumed female Ackie. Immediately, our verified female mounted the smaller suspect female. And then roles reversed. Back and forth for a week or so.

Two days ago, the smaller of the two started laying eggs. Most INfertile, but eggs nonetheless.

My question - do you think it is possible for the mating behaviour alone to cause egg production (even when it's two verified females)?

The larger of the two looks gravid again, too.
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Mark
http://www.outbacksnakehouse.net

Hi Mark, First, don't presume, learn to tell males from females, its easy.

Second, follicules mature into ovum, at that time the female becomes receptive. Any other breeding/mounting is for nothing.

Copulation behavior does not cause a female to cycle, boy if it did, everybody and their brother would have eggs. Including eggs from water bowls, treestumps, etc. Good Luck FR

>>Hi Mark, First, don't presume, learn to tell males from females, its easy.

Enlighten me. Your statement is wonderful, but useless. I'd love it if you could share more information.
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Mark
http://www.outbacksnakehouse.net

There is no enlightening you, you must enlighten yourself. That means, go out and look at known males and females of many ages until you know the difference.

We can talk all day/night and that will also be useless. Practical experience is what is needed.

There are many differences, both external and internal.

External; head shape, body shape, spur shape and size, pattern and color.

Internal; gonads, overies, hemipenes(learn to evert them), presence of eggs, etc.

The combination of these will allow fairly reliable recognition. But indeed, You need to learn how to use them. Good Luck FR

Well, thanks for your help. I'm glad you are willing to share your vast knowledge with the average keeper, to allow them to better care for their animals.

You're a real ass(et).

>>There is no enlightening you, you must enlighten yourself. That means, go out and look at known males and females of many ages until you know the difference.
>>
>> We can talk all day/night and that will also be useless. Practical experience is what is needed.
>>
>> There are many differences, both external and internal.
>>
>> External; head shape, body shape, spur shape and size, pattern and color.
>>
>> Internal; gonads, overies, hemipenes(learn to evert them), presence of eggs, etc.
>>
>> The combination of these will allow fairly reliable recognition. But indeed, You need to learn how to use them. Good Luck FR
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Mark
http://www.outbacksnakehouse.net

Hey speaking of ass(et)s, no one has to babysit you and your ackies.

Post some photos of your presumed pair. That would probably give people "willing to help you", a better picture of what you have and therefore be more accurate, not that anyone has to.