Not Laying! T^T

[CutieCrawlersArt]

So my female Orchid has mated a few times now and she looked pretty chubby even when she hasn't eaten so I assume she's wanting to lay an ooth... but no matter where I put her, she isn't tempted to lay any ooths that I've seen. I have her usually in a large plastic tank with fake orchids, but every few days, I'll move her to a mesh net enclosure with a live orchid plant. Every other few days, I'll let her free roam on live, broad leafed plants and see if that tempts her (since I heard that's how they're prompted to lay).

Still nothing, its been a month or two now and I'm worried she's getting old. :c What am I doing wrong? Her enclosures are kept mildly humid until she's free roaming and she eats regularly. Temps are around 72-75 F.

 

[hibiscusmile]

How old adult is she? Moving her around at this point is not going to help, she will be confused if she was always in the same place till now.

 

[Sarah K]

I wish I had some advice for you, but I am having the same problem with my females right now.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Well we can't fix it if you dont answer. Sarah, how about yours?

 

[Vlodek]

I would increase temp to 90F, spray at least once a day with water, feed with flying insect such as bees or flies. No crickets or mealworms. Those are junk food for orchids. 

 

[mantisman 230]

You could also use moths

 

[CutieCrawlersArt]

Whoops, was away from the computer all day. She's about 2 month into her adult stage.

Looks like I'll have to go and grab a heat lamp for her. > 3<

 

[hibiscusmile]

Most prob if they dont lay they are egg bound, 2 more weeks should tell you. How much are they being fed each day?

 

[CutieCrawlersArt]

Egg bound? And I feed her a few flies almost every day. Sometimes a mealworm, but I guess I should cut back on those. 

 

[Sarah K]

Well we can't fix it if you dont answer. Sarah, how about yours?

Sorry!   One of my females molted to adulthood 2/26, the other 3/2. Mine generally get 10 blue bottles a day (unless they didn't finish all of them from the day before or I am waiting for fly pupae to hatch). I mist them in the morning and in the afternoon. Room stays from 72 to 85F degrees most of the time. 

 

[Sarah K]

I would increase temp to 90F, spray at least once a day with water, feed with flying insect such as bees or flies. No crickets or mealworms. Those are junk food for orchids. 

I did not realize orchids liked it that hot!  Thanks!

 

[hibiscusmile]

Raising the heat without doing it slowly will kill them. feeding them over 4 blue bottle flies a day is what will cause egg bound. I feed mine 3 a day and increase it to 5 just after laying. Then in a couple days, I reduce it again. Overfeeding anything, plants, animals, insects, people makes health problems. I've been doing this a long time, I would not lie to you.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Also the one on 3/2 may be still able to lay, reduce their food and see what happens.

 

[Sarah K]

Raising the heat without doing it slowly will kill them. feeding them over 4 blue bottle flies a day is what will cause egg bound. I feed mine 3 a day and increase it to 5 just after laying. Then in a couple days, I reduce it again. Overfeeding anything, plants, animals, insects, people makes health problems. I've been doing this a long time, I would not lie to you.

Thank you! I definitely trust you!  

 

[CutieCrawlersArt]

Yes, definitely agree with Sarah K. Thanks for the advice!

 

[avn]

Let us know if they lay! So the mantis history books know if the advice was good

 

[hibiscusmile]

ditto

 

[Sarah K]

I will let you guys know. No ooths so far, but all modifications of care started this weekend.

 

[CutieCrawlersArt]

Same, just fixed up her new home last weekend. :3 Light's got a dimmer so I'm slowly introducing higher temps to her.