When breeding goyles in a group...

[Groovy Leo]

I'm a noob. When breeding goyles in a group, how do you know which female laid what eggs?

Or is it better to have the male spend a month with the group,and then separate them all out individually for the season into individual containers?

Thoughts?

 

[Yoshi'smom]

I really don't recommend breeding in groups. Gargoyle love can be brutal and even females will bicker and injure each other. If you have two females that live together that will be meeting the same mate, you can pair up one female in the male's enclosure and then put her back in with the other female. The male should rest for two weeks and then you can pair up the second female. You should then be getting eggs from the first female two weeks later. You'll be able to tell who looks gravid.
I do however know breeders that keep groups together with little issues. I just personally wouldn't chance it with my animals. Especially when gargoyles are known to be extra rough with each other.

 

[Groovy Leo]

In your opinion, for breeding, how long should the fem be left in the male enclosure until taken out?

 

[Yoshi'smom]

In your opinion, for breeding, how long should the fem be left in the male enclosure until taken out?

As short as possible. I would monitor them the whole time. From what I've seen, Gargoyles are quick to get the deed done, so as soon as they are finished, I would remove the female and put her back into her own enclosure.
Again, I like to do it this way because I don't want to chance my animals health. Other people may have other opinions.

 

[acpart]

I do breed gargoyles in a group. I watch them very carefully and have an extra enclosure permanently set up in case someone needs immediate separation. I have had to do this twice in the last 4-5 years, but not in over 2 years. I had a stable group of 1.2 together for quite awhile and recently added another female. So far everyone is doing fine but, of course, that's no guarantee.
When breeding season gets going, I weigh each female at least weekly. Most of the time, the female who lays spends several days digging and can be found sitting over her eggs. In the event that it doesn't play out that way, whenever a female drops 5-10 grams overnight, I start looking for eggs. I haven't had an issue with more than one laying at the same time so far (though I did have 2 leopard geckos lay in the same box at the same time a few years ago --see picture below). I did have a gargoyle hatchling appear unexpectedly in the enclosure once 2 years ago but it was late in the season and I hadn't been expecting eggs.


Aliza

 

[Groovy Leo]

I love that on a forum there's so many opinions/ideas/experiences to listen to!

Thanks for your experience acpart.

Other experiences and opinions are welcomed too.