Chameleon won't lay

[Suca]

Hello!
I've recently been given a female veiled. She's one year and three months and apparently has never laid - her last owner didn't know that they lay with or without a male present. I've put a big pot of sand in her tank but she isn't interested in staying in it - she keeps climbing out onto the floor of the tank instead. I'm fairly certain she's getting ready to lay - she's looking very fat and keeps pacing the floor. What can I do to encourage her to go in the laying bin? I'd really appreciate any advice, she's my first lizard and I'm a bit worried about her. Thank you!

 

[panther67]

Try putting some foliage around the bin to help make her feel more secure... I have even cut a piece of plastic foliage and actually stuck into the sand to mimic that a plant is growing out of it. Make sure that it has moisture to it so that the tunnel she will dig will not collapse on her. Usually females will be hanging out low in their enclosure and pacing looking for a spot to lay along with less appetite.

 

[sharp229]

It looks like you've already seen the laying bin setup video since you posted in that thread? How deep is the pot you are using, and what is the diameter?

She will need complete privacy to lay, so you should cover the sides of the cage if she can see you.

 

[Suca]

I've planted plastic foliage in her pot, and it's definitely wet enough to dig tunnels. The pot is 9" deep by 9" wide.
I'll try putting some material around the tank, but I'll need to remove it to feed and mist her?
She's been moving around the bottom of the tank and is definitely fatter than usual. She hasn't lost her appetite though, she's actually eating a lot more at the mo. Is there any way of knowing for certain if she's ready to lay?