Tiger's 2nd clutch of eggs wasn't nearly as easy as her first clutch.  First of all, Chris died while mating with Tiger.  Next, Tiger was driven for 8 hours to mate with Icabod (before he came to live with us).    Perhaps the stress of her 2nd mating caused some troubles. 

Sometimes Chameleons have trouble finding just the right place to lay their eggs.  Temperature, humidity, stress, diet, supplementation, or just an anxious owner?  Who knows.  All I know is that it seemed to take Tiger forever to start digging. 

To help along the process, I bought a 77L (32Gal) Rubbermaid garbage can.  I placed a plant in the middle of the container.  Sometimes a rock or some bark can provide an attractive place to start digging.  A clip-on light can be placed on the side of the container for warmth.

I also taped a wireless video transmitter and a wireless temperature and humidity transmitter  to the inside of the container so I could keep track of Tiger without disturbing her.  You don't have to be James Bond to raise Chameleons but a bit of spy gear does come in handy sometimes.

Some people suggested just putting her in the laying bucket and leaving her in there.  2 days and still nothing.  With Tiger she just starts when she's ready.  Today I noticed her walking around the bottom of her cage - she was ready.

I put her in the laying bucket again today (Jan 23, 2003) and within minutes she started digging.  Finally!

Notice there are no pictures of Tiger digging?  The output from the wireless camera isn't easily captured to the web without additional hardware.  I could have just opened the lid and started snapping pictures however disturbing your Chameleon while she's laying eggs or before she has finished burying the eggs is a big mistake.  Your Chameleon may become neurotic and constantly wander the cage trying to find a new more private site - or worse yet, stop the process in it's tracks.  If your Chameleon doesn't lay her eggs it can be fatal.  Perhaps next time I'll rig up the right equipment to take pictures without disturbing her.

Chameleons will dig down at least 3 to 6" but often as much as 12 to 18".  It takes them anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours.  I'm sure you will want to check on her or even help her dig.  You may be tempted to water her or feed her.  Don't.  Once she's started - leave her alone and let her finish the job.  There's really nothing you can do and anything you try will only hinder the process.

Once the hole is deep enough, your Chameleon will come out of the hole, turn around, and go back in tail first to lay her eggs.  After that she still needs to cover up the hole.  Again, don't interrupt this process AT ALL.  Let her finish.

When she's finally finished she will be very thirsty and may be hungry, although sometimes it takes a day or so for her to regain her appetite.