In a message dated 2/16/01 2:52:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
<< My female laid 10 eggs last year for her first time.
>This year she has laid 6 and doesn't seem to be developing anymore so far.
>Is it normal for the numbers to change like that? Can I expect her to lay
>more eggs later this year or is it a one time thing?
>>
Hi-
Lots of things effect the egglaying cycles of reptiles. I think three have
most to do with how many eggs are laid, and when they are laid-
Temperature- not only daytime temps, but cooler nighttime temps can halt egg
laying. And a wintertime cooling down period is necessary. The warming up in
spring can trigger egg laying.
Food- my leos have almost stopped eating right now. In a month or two they're
gonna start eating like pigs. Shortly after that they'll pork up with eggs.
At that stage my animals do only two things, eat and bask.
Daylight Cycle- Increased daylight hours in spring/summer effect egg laying.
Towards the fall when the daylight shrinks, you may get another sporadic
clutch, then thats it. My animals slowly stop eating, ignoring food. Its
alittle worrisome, but the seem to do fine.
At their peak of laying, you can get two eggs every 12-16 days. And in
yearling animals I've gotten another clutch in as little as 10 days! 10 eggs
or more a year.
Its scary sometimes to see how scrawny and thin they are after laying.
Especially when they swell up so fat before laying!
As for your female, like Lyle said, its early in the season. She may quit for
awhile, she may not. My guess is she'll quit till early summer.
You could cool her alittle and give her a break til then.
Where you are located effects the cycle too- Animals in Florida will lay
earlier than some in Maine. But what about animals that live enclosed and
never see true daylight you ask? Beats the heck outta me. I've always tried
to use as much outdoor light as possible, even in winter. So the animals
sense the seasonal changes.
OK I've rambled enough. Please chime in if I've left something out or am
incorrect.
coffeeeeeeeee.............
Jason
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