Oustalets caged togeter..

[Jamiewalker198]

I have recently acquired a pair (male and female) of Ousties about 8-10 months old. They were housed together at the herp shop and I have them toghether here. I read they can be kept as pairs or trios even.

My question is, if they breed and I'm sure they will, what do I do? I mean how will I know she is gravid and when to introduce a laying bin?

I need some reference material/sites. I'm new to chams but not to rep husbandry in general.

These guys are awesome eaters and easy to handle, wish I could find more about them.

 

[ChamMan7]

If you are new to chams I would not suggest keeping these guys together for any amount of time. She most likely will become gravid and if she isn't dealt with properly can have serious issues. Also, if you're new to these guys you most likely are not going to be properly set up to deal with the babies. These guys have large clutches and the incubation of eggs, care of neonates, and selling of offspring is difficult and not for everyone. It requires quite a lot of time. Don't house them together.

 

[nightanole]

Ousties for what ever reason seem to be more "sociable". Ive heard many times of storing them in huge enclosures just fine. That being said you better have them in a 6-8ft wide cage.

As for eggs, your female will lay eggs even if the male is not around, or never got a round to it. They are like chickens, they just lay duds if there isnt a rooster around, but they always lay eggs. She might have eggs right now if you are correct that they are at least 8 months. When its egg time she will look like a lumpy potato and start digging at the bottom of the cage.

http://www.chameleonnews.com/03MarStrand.html

Egg laying bin dirt can be subjective. I used 2 parts peatmoss, 1 part sand, 1 part vermiculite. You want a mix that is easy to dig in, and wont collapse when the cham digs a foot down.

 

[Jamiewalker198]

If she is gravid with a fertile clutch what can I do with the eggs if I'm not prepared for incubation and babies? Can I bring or send the eggs somewhere or do I just "dispose" of them?

 

[RhacsEtc]

Why would you dispose of fertile eggs? And no, you can't send the eggs out, I doubt eggs would do well with traveling. Try to get prepared, or separate the pair. This chameleon specie is not commonly bred in captivity, and those lucky enough to work with them should do the best they can to help the captive population.

 

[chameleoman]

Until you are ready to take on the responsibility of raising 30+ babies, especially since your new to chams, seperate them immediately.