What is the best way to add laying medium in a rack?

[dalvers63]

Both of my adult girls are in CB70 tubs in a Reptile Basics rack. Is it necessary to provide them with a lay box and, if so, what do those of you with racks/tubs like this use?

I'd feel better if they both had them since I may not be home when they lay their eggs and I'd like to know they were OK until I'm home to get them into the incubator. If someone has a suggestion, I'd appreciate it!

[elevatethis]

I let mine lay them right on the paper. As long as you catch it within 12 hours or so, they shouldn't dry up much at all.

If you think it would go longer than that, though, one of those small 2.99 kitty litter pans from walmart full of LIGHTLY dampened moss might appeal for the female to lay in, or at very least keep the humidity up so the eggs don't dry out. A lot of times, even when offered a lay box, they still choose to lay them on the paper.

The females do a pretty good job taking care of the eggs...best to catch them right after being laid, before she gets her strength back!

This was from last season, I got to her probably 4-5 hours after she laid them...she wasn't very excited about having her picture taken at the time...

[Sputnik]

I also allow them to lay on the paper and then collect the eggs ASAP

[dalvers63]

Thanks, guys. Knowing that laying on the paper would be ok for a short time period helps out. I figure the longest she would go would be 8hrs, if she started laying just after I head to work.

Last year she laid at night and I'm hoping that continues this time.

Nice pic of your girl, elevatethis! That's about the attitude my girl had last year when I took her eggs away