Female Care/Ovulation

[crazy4geckos]

What does it mean when a female is gecko is ovulating? Yes i do know the definition of ovulating but what happens to a gecko when that happens? And is there anything i should look for? Do they lay eggs? I just want to know if there's anything i need to do when a female gecko is ovulating? or how to tell if she even is? Or do i just take care of her normally?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I'm doing everything right that way i don't end up with a dead gecko.

 

[acpart]

For many females leopard geckos, nothing much happens and it's not a big deal. You can see ovulation if you look in the belly. It looks like a pair of small, round pink things mid-belly, almost like the end of a pencil eraser. Some females cut down on eating or stop altogether. The biggest danger her, I think, is the owner who starts worrying that the gecko isn't eating. Sometimes they don't eat for awhile and they're usually just fine. Most female geckos not with a male don't lay eggs. A few do. The absolute worst thing that could happen is that a female could be ready to lay eggs and then become egg bound. I think this is quite uncommon and not something to worry too much about.

Aliza

 

[cassicat4]

I think the biggest thing to be aware of is what Aliza mentioned - the reduced appetite. My female often goes up to 3 weeks without eating during this time. I've heard similar reports from other Leo keepers. If you aren't prepared for this, it can be quite a shock.

Something my vet suggested is to increase their calcium intake slightly during this time, in the event that she does lay eggs.

Also ensure you have an appropriate lay box. This is usually just the humid hide, but it's important to have a diggable substrate - moss, soil, etc. for them to lay in.

As mentioned, females who've never been housed with males usually won't lay eggs, but the possibility still exists, so it's best to be prepared just in case.

 

[Blast!]

Im waiting. No ovulation from ANY of my females? Very warm this year in Florida,,,hopefully by Feb..

 

[scm133]

Yes, the florida weather prompted my super snow to start ovulating early. She mated 1-21-13. Now waiting for her to lay.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Geesh its cold as anything up here in OH and mine a few of mine are already in full swing ovulation mode. They seem to get super "busy" when they start. Currently they're creating huge messes out of their tanks as they dig all the substrate out of their lay boxes and cruise around knocking over water bowls and calcium dishes....grrrr.