The Egg Laying Process

[YumeKitsune4]

I've been on the forums a few months now and have learned SO much about chams. I've read a lot of threads on egg laying and hatching because it's just so interesting but I can't seem to find a thread that explains from start to finish what exactly happens. Would anyone be able to spell it out for me? I'm talking from how you know she's ready to lay all the way to what kind of extra care she'll need after. =)

 

[kinyonga]

Generally...when they are getting ready to lay the eggs they will roam the cage looking for a spot to lay them, drink more than usual, maybe stop eating or at least slow down.

When ready the female will start to dig holes...she may dig several test holes...but should settle on one and dig it until she is happy with it. It could take a day or it could take longer. While she is digging the holes, do not let her see you watching her...it might make her abandon the hole and if it happens often enough, it can lead to eggbinding.

Once she is happy with it she will turn around, but down...usually in the evening...and lay her eggs. She will fill the hole in and tamp it down and return to the branches.

She will likely be very hungry and thirsty.

If she doesn't follow the above "procedure" then it may be an indication that something is wrong.

If she sits low in the cage, is lethargic, keeps her eyes shut, doesn't dig, etc. then she could be eggbound.

If she digs the hole and acts like she was laying her eggs and fills the hole in...she could be eggbound.