lay box questions?!! Help!

[Queen]

so I bought a panther about 5-6 months ago and was told that it was going to be a male because they ordered males from their breeder. I asked how they knew and they where males considering their small size (about 2 or 3 weeks old) I was explained that the breeder told them the males look different when their hatchlings. the pet store is usually very knowledgeable so i trusted their wisdom. I bought odwalla (formally known as waldo) and just recently found that even though she's quite colorful she has no balls and therefore not a male.

She's about 5-6 months hasn't layed any eggs and I'm a bit scared of what I found about egg bound. I have no idea how to set up a lay box I just upgraded her tank to a 12x12x21 tall. It looks about the correct size and she's plenty comfortable and very healthy. I put a Tupperware container in her habitat with vermiculite. I did once find her on the ground (fine but on the ground) a few weeks ago and was concerned. And just read up that this is a sign for looking for a lay spot. I'm concerned but shes eating well and acting fine except for the incident a few weeks ago. please I need advice. She's my first chameleon.

 

[reptoman]

Welcome to the forums!
You should fill out the "how to ask for help form" .
This will give people a better idea of where you are at with your setup and be able to offer informed advice.


Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.


Pictures are helpful

 

[ghettomike]

I don't know for sure if panthers and veileds use the same kind of laying bin but for my female veiled I use a plastic garbage bin filled 12" deep with a 50/50 mix of organic black earth and playsand kept just moist enough to dig a tunnel to the bottom without it caving in. I keep that in her enclosure all the time and made a cover that sits about 6" above it to reflect any water from going in and becoming too saturated. Hope that helps.

 

[laurie]

I don't know for sure if panthers and veileds use the same kind of laying bin but for my female veiled I use a plastic garbage bin filled 12" deep with a 50/50 mix of organic black earth and playsand kept just moist enough to dig a tunnel to the bottom without it caving in. I keep that in her enclosure all the time and made a cover that sits about 6" above it to reflect any water from going in and becoming too saturated. Hope that helps.

If he is going to put the bin inside a 12x12 cage what size garbage can would fit? He may have a bit of a size problem and need to rework some things. I like the cover idea, I may steal that one.

I would use something like the tupperware container you have assuming it is at least big enough for her to go in dig a hole and have room to turn around. You do need at least 10 to 12" of soli/sand for her to dig in. Your cage may be a good size for her but not adequate to hold a laying box.

 

[kinyonga]

In the cage I put an opaque container about 12" x 12" x 8" deep filled almost full of washed playsand. This give the chameleon a place to dig to show you that she is ready to lay eggs. Many of them will even lay the eggs in that small container.

However, I also have a 65 liter rubbermaid bin in which I put a couple of bags of moistened playsand and a branch. I take the lid and cut a bit hole in the centre of it. I screen the hole over. Once the chameleon starts digging in the small container in her cage intently, I move her to the bin. I put the lid back on the container and lay a light over the screened part of the lid. Be careful not to overheat the container since it is enclosed. The female can be watered while she is in there and fed as long as the remaining insects are removed so they won't chew on her or the eggs when she lays them.

Don't forget, when a female is digging, don't let her see you watching her or she will likely abandon the hole.

 

[laurie]

In the cage I put an opaque container about 12" x 12" x 8" deep filled almost full of washed playsand. This give the chameleon a place to dig to show you that she is ready to lay eggs. Many of them will even lay the eggs in that small container.

However, I also have a 65 liter rubbermaid bin in which I put a couple of bags of moistened playsand and a branch. I take the lid and cut a bit hole in the centre of it. I screen the hole over. Once the chameleon starts digging in the small container in her cage intently, I move her to the bin. I put the lid back on the container and lay a light over the screened part of the lid. Be careful not to overheat the container since it is enclosed. The female can be watered while she is in there and fed as long as the remaining insects are removed so they won't chew on her or the eggs when she lays them.

Don't forget, when a female is digging, don't let her see you watching her or she will likely abandon the hole.

ok I am confused. If you wait until she is digging then move her to the other bin, how does she not see you watching her when you pick her up & move her? I am terrified to move or even touch a female who is digging.