Research
From follicles to eggs
Follicles develop within the ovaries. After ovulation, ova enter the oviducts, where fertilised eggs continue development and shells form before laying. An egg can still form when fertilisation has not occurred.
This distinction matters because retained ovarian follicles and retained post-ovulatory eggs are different problems, even though both may be loosely described as a female being egg-bound.
Breeder knowledge
Mating is only one part
Successful mating does not guarantee that every egg will be fertile, and a female may store sperm for later clutches. Timing, reproductive condition and individual biology all affect the result.
Captive reproduction should never be reduced to placing a male and female together. Female condition, age, growth, recovery and the risks of repeated clutches need to be considered before a pairing occurs.