My reptile's tunnels collapsed. Why won't she dig after I fixed them?

Once the digging starts, she may begin laying eggs in as little as an hour. Some beardies can take up to 3 days to deposit a clutch of eggs in a chosen location. Temperature, humidity and stress levels all play an important role in how long it will take.

She may be looking for an area to lay eggs. If she is close to laying, you can usually feel the eggs through the abdominal wall. Female beardies do not need a male in order to lay eggs. They can become gravid regardless. The only difference is she will lay infertile eggs. Provide an appropriate laybox for her. Once she is done depositing eggs, you can discard them.

Thanks for reaching out about Talula. This could be one of a few things: (1) hibernating (if not heat support), (2) Stress and hiding (new home), (3) Illness. If there is no or inadequate heat support, I would assume she is hibernating since environmental temperatures are dropping. If she is now in a high traffic area (lots going on) she might be stressed and hiding. Try putting up dark paper on the outside of the terrarium to provide security. If you think she is sick, seek an examination with a reptile veterinarian. Good luck.

Check the temperature in her enclosure. Ideal would be about 76 F (24C) on the cool side to about 86 F (30C) n the warm side. Her basking spot should range between 90 and 100 F (32-37.7 C). Young beardies should not be kept on sand as it can pose a risk of impaction or obstruction if they inadvertently ingest enough during feeding. Use reptile carpet, slate or paper towels until she is older or feed her outside of the enclosure. If the behavior persists, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose infection or injury.

Check the water quality. Make sure it is clean and at the proper temperature. She may also be searching for food or a safe place to bask. It is unlikely given her age, but she may be looking for a place to lay eggs. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Her shell in the image does not appear normal or healthy, but it could be her age.

Thanks for reaching out about Zoey and including a photo. The nest area should also be warm, and a little moist. Try to encourage her to enter the area. If she ever becomes lethargic, a veterinary visit to induce egg laying, might be in order. Monitor food intake but also defecation. Good luck.

Most females will usually lay a clutch of eggs every year when the reach sexual maturity. Not all, however, will do this. Some females will produce eggs, go through the motion of searching for a lay spot then resorb the eggs and not lay any. If she is behaving normally, there is likely no cause for concern. When breeding season approaches, monitor her for egg formation and pro7a lay box. She may eventually lay or not.