Egg bin

[SimonTheCham]

I'm planing for a female panther, most likely an ambilobe. She's not quite 10 months, but I'm prepping. How should I make an egg bin? I'm not going to breed her. Just to let her lay them safely. And when to take the bin out? When to know that she's going to lay? Etc.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Hello!

There are plenty of videos on youtube to assist in constructing a lay bin.

I personally bought a small plastic bucket from my local hardware store. Just make sure it is at least 10-12" deep and the same in width. I filled it with 3 parts organic potting soil (make sure that is does not contain fertilizer, the miracle grow stuff is no good) and 1 part clean playground sand for drainage.

You will also need to drill a couple holes in the bottom to allow water to drain.

I also mist the soil a little to get it to a consistency where if you dig a hole with your fingers it will not collapse.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

I keep the bin in all the time, only removing it to take out the eggs that are laid. Once you know your cham better, it should be obvious when she is about to lay. Usually they start rejecting food and becoming more active in the enclosure, often going to the bottom of the cage. These activities should be different then her normal daily routine and easily noticed.

 

[SimonTheCham]

Thanks, and the only other thing I'm worried about is the weight. How can I find a branch or fake vine strong enough to hold her up? And what kind of plants would give her a sense of security since she's pretty big?