General Care Discussion :: What is the best nesting material for a 9" Female RES?

[PugLady]

Hullo, everyone. First off my RES is 9" long and has recently laid eggs on our lawn. I believe she is now full of more eggs and I'm trying to make the best environment for her to lay them in an indoor tank enclosure. But I'm unsure as to what is the best nesting material. I've read that a 50/50 sand and compost mixture is good as well as a sand and vermiculite mixture. But opinions vary.

So my question is which is best? A 50/50 mixture of Reptile sand and potting soil with no additives or just potting soil? I know the reptile sand has a lot of good vitamins and minerals for the mother as well as the eggs to be, but which is best?

Thanks in advance! (^_^)

[Love of Animals]

Has she ever been with a male? If so do you plan on hatching the eggs?

[steve]

Hi, welcome to the site. Could she still utilize the space outdoors? Is it warm enough? Females are very picky on where they want to lay eggs, so if she prefers a spot, you might want to keep using it.

[PugLady]

Has she ever been with a male? If so do you plan on hatching the eggs?

Yes she lives with a male. We are planning on hatching the eggs. Thank You for the reply

[PugLady]

Hi, welcome to the site. Could she still utilize the space outdoors? Is it warm enough? Females are very picky on where they want to lay eggs, so if she prefers a spot, you might want to keep using it.

Unfortunatly not we live in maine so we will be having snow soon.

[steve]

I would probably just try using the dirt from your yard and the largest possible container you can find.

[PugLady]

I would probably just try using the dirt from your yard and the largest possible container you can find.

Ok Thank You