Hi all...
We recently adopted two adult beardies (one female/one male) and were told they were both approximately one year old. The female, Cera, is quite big and wide, would almost call her 'fat', and the prior owner said he thought she might be ready to lay some eggs soon, but he wasn't certain. Anyways...Since I am new to these cute lil critters, I am not sure how to tell what her status is.
Here is what I can tell you. She actually seems to have slimmed down just a tiny bit since I've had her if there's been any change at all. When both she and the male are let out on the floor to cavort and explore, he is *constantly* displaying the mating behavior as is she. He gets super orange, black beard, tackles her neck, she waves etc.... I have yet to see them actually 'do the deed', but am thinking it's quite possible that they have consummated things recently, or even before we got them.
She seems to be eating okay, will eat several crickets each day, but seems to be more into bok choy than crickets. (He eats like a freakin moose) She also doesn't move around nearly as much as he. He is pretty active, she is content to lie around quite a bit and bask. Won't hardly move to go after the crickets much, but just waits for them to come hopping by instead.
I don't feel 'marbles' in her tummy when I pick her up. (I read somewhere that it can feel like that) And other than appearing less active, she seems to be alert and healthy. She has not displayed any 'digging' or 'burrowing' that I have seen or can see in their substrate.
Just in case, should I be providing a container of potting soil etc for her just in case she needs to lay eggs?? Also, if she needs to lay eggs and doesn't have a spot to do so, does that cause her to become eggbound or will she start laying them anywhere?...I guess I am just generally looking to find out how you can tell that your female is needing to lay eggs, besides the things I do know about. (digging etc) Are there more obvious physical signs to watch for? Also, would a picture of her be of any help to answer these questions? If so, I'd be happy to post one of her.
Thanks in advance for any input you can share.
We recently adopted two adult beardies (one female/one male) and were told they were both approximately one year old. The female, Cera, is quite big and wide, would almost call her 'fat', and the prior owner said he thought she might be ready to lay some eggs soon, but he wasn't certain. Anyways...Since I am new to these cute lil critters, I am not sure how to tell what her status is.
Here is what I can tell you. She actually seems to have slimmed down just a tiny bit since I've had her if there's been any change at all. When both she and the male are let out on the floor to cavort and explore, he is *constantly* displaying the mating behavior as is she. He gets super orange, black beard, tackles her neck, she waves etc.... I have yet to see them actually 'do the deed', but am thinking it's quite possible that they have consummated things recently, or even before we got them.
She seems to be eating okay, will eat several crickets each day, but seems to be more into bok choy than crickets. (He eats like a freakin moose) She also doesn't move around nearly as much as he. He is pretty active, she is content to lie around quite a bit and bask. Won't hardly move to go after the crickets much, but just waits for them to come hopping by instead.
I don't feel 'marbles' in her tummy when I pick her up. (I read somewhere that it can feel like that) And other than appearing less active, she seems to be alert and healthy. She has not displayed any 'digging' or 'burrowing' that I have seen or can see in their substrate.
Just in case, should I be providing a container of potting soil etc for her just in case she needs to lay eggs?? Also, if she needs to lay eggs and doesn't have a spot to do so, does that cause her to become eggbound or will she start laying them anywhere?...I guess I am just generally looking to find out how you can tell that your female is needing to lay eggs, besides the things I do know about. (digging etc) Are there more obvious physical signs to watch for? Also, would a picture of her be of any help to answer these questions? If so, I'd be happy to post one of her.
Thanks in advance for any input you can share.
