I witnessed my two painted mating back on April 29th. I can't find much on breeding .. just how long it takes for the eggs to hatch.
Which is better for her to lay in.. Topsoil or Sand?
I have tried both so far. The box of sand is under a heat lamp. She HATES being in there and just spends all her time trying to get out. I feel cruel. But I don't know what else to do. I just want her to lay her eggs.
I have felt near her tail and there are two knobs. One on each side. I am assuming this could be the eggs. I have had the male and female both since hatchlings. (they are 5 and 4 years old).
They are very used to being handled.
The female only has one eye. Other than having trouble finding her food she seems to be fine.
Any advice would be welcomed.
Thanks.

the eggs will hatch around 50-75 days in an incubator. Not sure how that is set up so just look that one up =)

uhmm topsoil is generally used, and it should be kept moist, but not too wet or bone dry so its easier for her too dig. I don't know about the heat lamp? I dont know if its needed or not at this stage? i havent read about needing it so far.

Not sure if you can feel the eggs at the base of her tail either, as usually female's have stubbier and fatter tails than a males. Has she begun losing her appetite?
and has she laid eggs before?

Just make sure she has alot of calcium in her diet now.

So she may not be laying her eggs because she doesnt find the laybox fit for laying. So try misting it a bit. Has she begun digging or show signs of digging?