Egg-laying box substrate?

[emroul]

Hey guys,

What exactly do you put in an egglaying box? I bought Peat moss (Canadian sphagnum) because it was recommended to me by someone, but I've done searches on this site and haven't found one thing on Peat moss being used for this purpose (For Ball pythons, anyway). If I shouldn't use Peat moss, what should I use? Also, is an 11.4 Qt dishpan a suitable size for her and her eggs? (It's measurements are 12"W x 14"L x 6"H).

Also, when should I leave the box in with her? She just had her POS two days ago... Thank you for any advice. :)

Jennifer

[Ron]

What do you keep her on? I don't think most breeders put egg laying boxes in with their females. I keep all of mine on Carefresh and there are some out there who use paper towel and let their females lay on it. I guess if I were to use an egg laying box I would either put Carefresh or sphagnum moss in it.

[emroul]

Hi ron, thanks for the reply. She is being kept on paper towels right now. Would she lay without a box? (Just somewhere in her enclosure)? I wouldn't want something to go wrong, that's all. :)

Thanks again,
Jennifer

[Ron]

If she has a hide, I think she will still lay. I'm no expert but I stuck with the Carefresh and hide box last year and everything went like clock work. I'm not trying to convince you not to use a box, just letting you know they are not absolutely necessary.

[Stockwell]

Peat moss or long strand sphagnum is fine, that is what I used.
Females will actually engage in nest building and hollow out a recessed spot by pushing the substrate to the side if their cage is large enough to offer a nest site.
Many rack breeders these days don't use anyspecial egg laying medium, and generally just keep the substate moist when oviposition is near

[emroul]

Oh ok, thank you very much Roy. One other question (sorry if I'm getting annoying). But with a nesting box, should I turn it upside-down and cut an access hole in the side or top and keep the moss inside it; or should I leave it upright and just fill the tub with the moss? Thanks again.

Jennifer

[Stockwell]

It probably doesn't matter too much, but in order to hold the moisture in, it's a good idea to have some type of lid if you want to provide a nest box.
Large rubbermaids, the solid color ones are good for this, with a hole cut in the front.
The way I actually did it was to cut a hole in the cage bottom and mount a jumbo kitty litter tray underneath. In the wild they typically lay underground in rodent burrows, but this isn't necessary and is really too much trouble...

[emroul]

Originally posted by Stockwell
The way I actually did it was to cut a hole in the cage bottom and mount a jumbo kitty litter tray underneath.

Oh wow, I would have never thought of doing something like that. I'll probably just turn it upside down and cut a hole in the top of it (it's a solid grey color, so that'll be good).

So, since she had her prelay shed on 2/15, when should I put it in her enclosure? :-D

Jennifer

[Ron]

I think it is typically 4 - 5 weeks so I would put it in ~ March 7 and let her get settled in it.

[Jeff_Favelle]

If she already had her pre-lay, just put it now. Its not like its toxic and prolonged exopsure is going to hurt! :confused: :confused:

Also, they will search around the cage, looking for a good place to nest, and when they find it, they stay there. So either don't use a nest box at all (very common) or put the nest box in there now and let her discover it and make her nest BEFORE she lays her eggs. Not to mention the pre-lay can happen anywhere from 18-40 days before oviposition. I've had egg-laying 21 days after a pre-lay as my earliest. I don't muck around. As soon as they have that shed, either the nest box goes in, or a clump of strategically-placed sphagnum goes in. There is no strategy or benefit in trying to time it RIGHT before she lays.

[emroul]

Thanks, that makes sense.

[Jeff_Favelle]

...and I almost forgot...

BEST OF LUCK! Getting and hatching Ball eggs rocks man! A big congrats goes out to you! :D Post pics when she lays!

[emroul]

I'm a camera freak, lol. I'll be sure and get pics, or at least, try to catch her.. :-D

Thanks, I'm really excited about it. I only have two females that will be producing this year (just normals).. Just sort of testing my skills (or luck) I guess; waiting for those het albinos to get big enough, hehe...We'll see. :)

Jennifer