I'm waiting for my 25 year old ball (never been with a male) to lay eggs, she took 48 days last year, and its been around 40 days so far this year from the pre-lay shed.

I noticed her tail sticking right up, but nothing came of it, is this a sign they are getting ready to lay by any chance?

Apart from going to the toilet or maybe mating, I donno why else they would do that.