So you found out you have a female veiled or panther chameleon and that she’s going to lay eggs!! Here are some frequently asked questions:

Which chameleon species lay eggs?

Veiled and Panther chameleons will lay infertile eggs even if they’ve never been with a male chameleon before. Jackson’s chameleons give live birth.

How does a chameleon lay eggs?

Similar to sea turtles, chameleons will bury their eggs. They will climb down from the trees, dig a hole, turn around and lay their eggs, cover the eggs back up, and climb into the trees. This is why it is so important for us to provide a laying bin although some females will choose to lay in their potted plants.

What age will she start laying eggs?

They can lay eggs as early as 6 months old but the common age is 12-18 months. Some females will be over 2 years old before they lay their first clutch. Just depends on the individual.

How often do they lay eggs?

This depends on your care, but typically they will lay every few months.

What are the signs she is getting ready to lay?

1. Decreased appetite

2. Exploring her enclosure more

3. Going down to the bottom of the enclosure

4. Displaying receptive/gravid colors (watch video for examples of gravid colors)

5. Digging test holes

What can I do to help her lay her eggs?

1. Make sure she has the proper UVB and supplements

2. Provide her with a proper laying bin

3. Giver her privacy — you can cover her enclosure with a sheet

4. Have a good reptile vet already picked out — just in case…

How do I set up a laying bin?

Fill a plastic bucket that is around 12” wide and at least 6” deep with washed play sand that is moist enough to hold its shape when you grab a fistful of it. Remember she has to be able to dig a hole in this sand without it collapsing on her. Washed play sand can be found in the garden center of places like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Plant a live plant directly into the sand — some chameleons prefer to lay against a root ball. Place a stick or branch vertically in the sand so that she has a way to climb in and out of the bin. Watch video for laying bin tutorial.

How do I get her to lay less eggs, less often?

1. Restrict her food so that she is only eating 3-5 bugs every 2-3 days. More food = more eggs.

2. Keep her basking temperature around 80F (27C). Warmer temps = more eggs.

How do I know she’s laid her eggs?

1. She will look thinner

2. She might have some sand or dirt on her nose

3. Her laying bin or plants might look disturbed

What do I do with the eggs after she lays them?

You can throw them away!

How do I know if they’re fertile?

If she’s never been with a male chameleon then it’s safe to assume that they’re infertile. If there’s a chance she’s been with a male than you can incubate them and if they start to mold then you know that they are infertile.

What does ‘egg bound’ mean?

Becoming egg bound happens when a female is not able to lay her eggs. This is usually the result of improper care and the chameleon becomes too weak to lay her eggs. It can also be the result of other health issues. Egg binding is usually fatal.