General Care Discussion :: *sigh* another question about lily's egg laying...

[kikicool]

Well, I tried a lovely indoor nesting area, and no luck. She leaves it and actually scratches at the door to go outside. Here's the problem: it's 48 degrees here. And drizzly.

What should I do? I tried bringing her out and she was moving around, walking back and forth in neighbor's garden. (we have none). But I was too worried about the cold and brought her back in. Should I bring her out for longer? Or is it WAY too cold out?! And if it's too cold... what else can I do to prevent her from becoming egg bound? this is her fifth day or so of gravid symptoms.

I canNOT afford her to become sick or eggbound now. My hubby just got laid off and my salary is paltry at best. My dog just got into a pack of sugarless gum, which is toxic, and we spent a buttload of money at the vet getting her well. ACH! Thanks for suggestions.

[theartbook35]

I would try making modifications to her indoor nesting box. Maybe add in some very small amounts of food, leaves, a warm kitchen towel, or maybe some sterile potting soil.

This makes thing tough, though, about her possibly becoming eggbound. 48 degrees is cool, but as long as you keep an eye on her, if nothing with her indoor nest works I'd try outside again.

[kikicool]

Well now I REALLY messed it up!!!!!! I brought her outside and she mulled about for about an hour and then she went under a bush. I could see her, she had buried herself in leaves. I was worried she was beginning to hibernate or something. I kept watching for movement, for about 20 minutes and none. Last time she laid a clutch, I could see and hear her moving. So finally I got nervous and picked her up: and there was the beginning of a hole.

I just brought her home and put some leaves in with her box. I took the light off it, since she chose a dark spot (as she did last time). She's in there now. I'm too scared of even making noise and disturbing her. I'll check her in an hour or so I guess... Oh I hope I didn't ruin things.

[theartbook35]

That's not a bad things In fact, being willing to dig anywhere means she's getting ready to lay eggs.

She'll make lot of false holes for a while until it's just right for her.

Of course she'll prefer outside, but that's not the best egg laying conditions.

Keep her n the box, and like you said check on her every couple of hours.

Good luck!

[kikicool]

thanks, phew! And how long totaly hsould I leave her in before putting her in the tank for the night, do you think?

bear in mind, I'm f'in neurotic, in case you can't tell. I appreciate the advice.

[theartbook35]

thanks, phew! And how long totaly hsould I leave her in before putting her in the tank for the night, do you think?

bear in mind, I'm f'in neurotic, in case you can't tell. I appreciate the advice.

Read your other post. No more outside, okay?

My GUESS is about four hours tops. If nothing significant happens, I doubt she'd lay eggs in the tank.

[steve]

A couple of winters ago, my RES was gravid and we had an unusually warm day (low 70s). I took her outside to her previous nest area but she started to cover herself too. The indoor nest didn't work at all, so she eventually laid them in her tank. Just keep trying

[kikicool]

THANKS! I guess I'll just give it another whirl....