Hingeback nesting question

[CJSTorts]

It has been 31 days since I caught Scoot and Bug (could not see if it was successful), and I have seen them two other times since then. Scoot is not showing any increased activity or pacing yet. She had a drop in weight a few weeks ago but has now gained it back. I thought a couple times I found a nest but they were remnants of old mole tracks.

About how deep do hingebacks usually make their nest so I know how deep to look? Also would I be able to palpate the eggs at all, when she extends her back legs?

 

[EricIvins]

I wouldn't think too hard about it.......Having them court and copulate is common place, getting Eggs from them is another story altogether.......They will only nest in the right substrate, I can tell you that much......

 

[CJSTorts]

They will only nest in the right substrate, I can tell you that much......

What have you found to be the best substrate?

 

[Kristina]

Both times mine have laid, it has been in cypress mulch, and the nest was very shallow.

 

[CJSTorts]

Great Kristina, thanks so much. I have some cypress mulch I have been debating putting in there, I will put it in today.

 

[egyptiandan]

My female always did what I would call a normal nest, about 3 to 4 inches deep.
Don't really think it would be possible to palpate a hingeback, never mind the danger to the finger.
How big is your pair?

Danny

 

[Benjamin]

My female always did what I would call a normal nest, about 3 to 4 inches deep.
Don't really think it would be possible to palpate a hingeback, never mind the danger to the finger.
How big is your pair?

Danny

It is posssible to palpate ova in kinixys, three of four times my female was gravid this year I could feel the ova.
Cypress mulch works well for laying.

 

[CJSTorts]

Scoot (female) is about 6.75 inches and about 750g, Bug (male) is about 7.25 inches and about 980g.

 

[egyptiandan]

Definately big enough to both get the job done. My female did pace, but only a day or two before she laid. It was never long and protracted, the signs of being gravid. So pretty easy to miss (just ask Kristina ) if your not with them at the right times of the day. Oh my female laid in the mornings.

Danny

 

[Kristina]

Yeah yeah yeah Danny

One of these days I'll manage NOT to destroy the dang eggs Been keeping a close eye on them for sure!

 

[Weldd]

I use cypress mulch/topsoil mix. Pretty much 1:1 mix. Nests are fairly shallow - 3 or 4 inches - roughly 1/2 the length of the female. I have to admit that the females behavior was not all that outside of normal shortly before laying. Pretty much business as usual...