Please help our baby has eggs!

[JRchameleons]

Hello Curtis-

I completely understand what you're going through, since I just went through it myself (https://www.chameleonforums.com/new-member-gravid-female-veiled-72814/). As soon as she started scratching at the bottom of her cage (ignoring her laying bin), I started completely freaking out. At first I left her alone, but then I was anxious and moved her to a covered trash can with nothing but moist sand in it. I realized after leaving her in the trash can for several hours that it was just stressing her out since all she did was scratch at the sides, trying to get out. I kept checking on her constantly and my mind was racing (Should I show her the laying bin? Should I move it? Should I cover it with more foliage? Should I mist her? What if seeing me makes her refuse to lay and become eggbound? etc...) Finally, I heeded advice and after I gave her a good misting and checked the moisture of her sand, I covered the sides of the cage and left her alone. After a couple of days, she laid her eggs all on her own using one of the test holes I dug for her. From the time I first saw her scratching the floor of her cage to the time she laid it was 10 days. So I realize now that I should have just left my girl alone in the first place. I feel like veiled instincts are usually pretty strong and they often aren't quite ready to lay when we think they are. So just give her some time with her cage covered (just the sides) and see if that does the trick. She probably just needs to feel more secure by being left alone.

 

[CurtisGalle]

JR thank you so much that is exactly what i am going through! i think i am reacting off of emotions too quickly and not letting her do her thing. ill hang tight and keep you all posted. Thank again.

 

[CurtisGalle]

When you notice your chameleon has taken a break and is on her perch do you offer her food?

As my husband has mentioned he is a wreck waiting! Me on the other hand is in tears, she is my baby and the bond her and I have is something so sweet. She has trusted me since day one and to think she is going thru "life changes" and I can't comfort her and rub the side of her cheek how she likes it is hard. If she doesn't make it my heart will hurt so bad.

We have owned a male before and it's nigth and day! Here I thought we were educated and I feel like I know nothing! I wish were we got her from would also be more educated and would have known to mention fyi she could have eggs and need a laying bin, etc! It's so importamt to be well educated and I know that since I deal with rescued pit bulls!! Smacking myself hard now.

Thank you!

 

[CurtisGalle]

UPDATE--Our Bindi has still been acting like shes ready to lay but not layed yet!

I am not overly concerned after hearing from many others that it took even up to a month before they noticed from scratching to eggs...plus her health seems to be in order, she still eats and drinks, abd just last night i really noticed her getting after it digging out the 2 corners of her tank. She diggs, scratches on the side, digs, then goes back up the vine to rest.

I keep thinking i will wake up to eggs and a skinny cham but no such luck. I am being very cautious to not disturb her and have a towel wrapped around her tank.

I mist twice daily and feed a couple crickets towards the eve when i notice she is not digging and resting.

Any further comments/advice would help. it has been 2.5 weeks or so and every day that goes by is getting more tense and worried for us.

Thanks!