Is this a suitable site for egg laying for my Fiona?

[cowchick]

I put about a 5 gallon pail initially into this tank...but found that it wasn't packed enough and she kept digging to the bottom.

This is what it looked like at first!

She was absolutely covered in dirt and seemed frustrated hitting the bottom glass panel. So I leveled what was there and lightly packed it, and filled up and packed again so I have about 6" of lightly packed potting soil, not sopping wet, but not dry either.

She wasn't happy with being moved, and after 2 minutes she went back at digging with her head! She wouldn't eat for me today, but she was drinking off the leaves and I did have her misted.

Do I leave the light off? What do I do in terms of food/water?
In light of my situation with her beau, Shrek...I really want to make sure I do the right thing here!

 

[Julirs]

It may not be deep enough for her still. 12"+ would be optimal.

 

[ChromaChameleons]

The dirt looks damp enough but not deep enough. Try a plastic bucket with deeper dirt. The dirt should be packed well enough so that a tunnel won't collapse easily. And try to drape a towel or something around the laying site. She wil be plenty pissed if she thinks anyone can see her digging.

Also keep in mind , females will sometimes abandon holes for no apparent reason. Its not unusual for them to dig several holes until they find one they like.

 

[cowchick]

I was wondering if 6" was still too shallow...I'm going to buy a new bag of dirt to add to it tomorrow. And ya she was pretty pissed when she noticed I saw her digging, so I will put a towel around it. Should I turn out the light as well? Do I keep feeding her or is that too invasive? I saw the bucket trick but was so worried I'd disturb her by peaking in...and I have use of the aquarium for a bit so I thought I'd try that.

I will add more and pack it. Sorry about all the silly questions. What do I need to know as far as temp and such? Proper lights? I've read no lights is best? But then how do you heat it? Thanks

 

[kinyonga]

You shouldn't let the female see you watching her when she is digging....she will likely abandon the hole and if this happens often enough, it can lead to eggbinding.

Also...if she digs a hole down to the glass she will likely not be happy with the hole. In a "real" hole in the wild the chameleon wouldn't see daylight.

I use moistened washed playsand in a container for females' egglaying sites.