Lay box size/materials

[Emmasarah]

I'm hoping to get some opinions on what soil/moss/substrate people are using for their lay boxes and how it's worked for them so far.

I'm also curious what size lay box you guys are giving your cresties. I've heard of some breeders using HUGE containers to give their girls more room to dig and am wondering if this causes any issues with finding the eggs once they've been laid.

Thanks

Emma

 

[Aimless]

I figure, why limit her choice?

I gave mine a large lay box. I used dirt/peat moss substrate transferred from her usual planted viv into the "brooding cage", which was lined with paper towels.

I kept it moist and covered with a layer of moss. I'd rather have to very carefully sift through a larger amount of dirt, than make it more stressful for her by giving her a lay box that she felt was too small.

 

[Emmasarah]

Thanks!

You make an excellent point. Ill probably switch to a large box as well. I guess a minute or two more work for me is better than her being uncomfortable. I'll just have to be more diligent while looking for eggs.

 

[Aimless]

if you keep an eye on her, it will be pretty obvious when she is close to laying. in the last several days the eggs are clearly visible in her belly and very easy to palpate. then, for about a day after laying, she'll look a bit deflated. mine also fired up for laying

they know what to do. if the eggs should stay in the laying substrate for awhile, it won't hurt them. just take them out carefully to maintain orientation (and verify by looking for the cheerio) and they'll be fine.