Questions about trash can method?

[Petmason]

Well I have a pair of veileds. Copulation occurred 2/28, today makes 30 days. I have a container filled with moisten sand about 8 in. Only till recently has play sand been available in my area. (Is play sand with silica ok?) So I had a bag of reptisand I used thats why its only 8 in. I have towels around the cage to seclude her and I just put cardboard cause the bottom few inches were exposed. I have the sand packed tightly. (Is this ok?) It looks as if she walked on the sand but didn't dig. She still eats but walks all around. I spray her in the morning very heavy I use to spray more often but I don't want to disturb her. She still has dark fecal and white urinates.

When should I attempt the trash can method?
How often to water and feed in the trash can?
How long can she stay in that environment?

Thanks in advance!!

Scott

 

[Brad Ramsey]

So the laying container you are providing now is in her enclosure?
If she's still eating, she's probably not ready yet.

-Brad

 

[DarkRapture]

silica is BAD!! please do not use anything with it near your chams. she will start digging when she feels ready. i have heard that it sometimes takes a week before she is comfortable enough to start digging, so try not to get worried. the more a cham is moved around, the more it stresses them. how wide is the container? 8-12" deep is best. you said that you are using reptile sand? i am not sure if it is recommended.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

The medium has to be able to hold the shape of the tunnel.
I used a sandy topsoil with some peat mixed in (pretty damp but not muddy)
You will notice her acting anxious and pacing around ... going up and down a day or so before she starts digging.

-Brad

 

[Petmason]

The Laying container is in the enclosure now. It is about 8" deep. She does still eat but slower than she use to. (Not all at once) I know silica is bad but I wanted to make sure it was even bad used for laying.(thanks DarkRapture) The sand held a tunnel when I tested it by digging a tunnel with my fingers.

How will I know when she has totally rejected the laying container if she does?

 

[Petmason]

I have noticed her color is a dark green compared to her usual bright green. Is this normal? She stays on the vines above the laying container but not in it.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

She will get very anxious when it is time and will be in and out of that container, pacing etc.
You Will know

-Brad

 

[keemo]

Hi,

I have just had my first clutch of veiled eggs so I know what your going through. You could start a couple of holes for her to explore as this is what I did and it triggered her to start digging like crazy. I am not in any way an expert but this helped my girl a lot...

Good luck with the laying.

Mike