Female veiled question

[vgaines]

I have read that laying eggs shortens a females life. I also read that some have had their female spayed after egg removal surgery. What I was wondering is would it be a good idea to have a female spayed if you have no plans on breading? At this time I have no interest in breading Raine and I want her to be as healthy and happy as possible.

Thanks... I know its a silly question but I really want to know what everyone thinks..

Virginia

 

[squeekz1992]

Hi!
Laying eggs is really taxing on a female, yes. However they can still live long and healthy lives if you take certain measures to make the egg laying as easy as possible, but females do tend to live shorter than males.
As for the spaying... the members who have had it done...most, if not all, of them only had their girls spayed due to an egg binding issue. Egg binding is a real, dangerous issue. It can happen for many reasons, but from what I have read, is more common in larger clutches/if the female is disturbed or stressed during her pregnancy/if she thinks there is no suitable laying area.

The measures I mentioned are as follows (may be missing some of the changes but a member who keeps females can probably help with that): slightly lower temps, and less feeding and of course abstinence. And always have a laying bin in her cage!

I hope this helps a little.

 

[jannb]

I totally agree and would like to add that any surgery for a chameleon is very serious. From reading here on the forums for over five years it seems that not many of the females survive more than a few weeks after being spayed and most of the ones that do have complications and some even additional surgeries. I would recommend feeding her less and keeping her cooler as mentioned above.

 

[vgaines]

thanks

Thank y'all so much. My baby girl is just a little over a month old so I want to be as prepared as possible when time comes for her to lay. Am I right in thinking that this can happen as early as four months of age? When time gets close would it be ok to make a laying bin that will fit into the bottom of her enclosure and leave it there? (18x18x36 all screen). I started adding live plants today and I really want what is best for her.

Thanks again,
Virginia

 

[jannb]

About four to five months old is and excellent time to provide her with a laying bin at all times. That's about the time she'll be ready for a larger cage or a SAFE free range. If you don't overfeed her she probably will not lay until a year old or so but provide her with a laying bin anyway....just incase. I have a few links below that you should find helpful.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/jannb/345-egg-laying-laying-bin.html
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K8DkddotVnQ/R33N_UY_ndI/AAAAAAAAAOU/NfBDUhK0J50/s1600-h/femaleveiled.jpg
https://www.chameleonforums.com/laying-bin-set-up-educational-video-77225/