Nesting Behavior

Sterant

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So one of my females dug a nest today. No males around. She dug a full depth nest, but didn't lay an egg and didn't cover / hide the nest. Guessing this is just behavioral and she isn't gravid but I will give an update if she does actually lay an unfertilized egg.

Exciting either way as she has never been witnessed doing this before.
 

Sterant

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Yeah my Radiata do the same thing. I am curious because this female has never been near a male. Second nest underway right now.
4489645C-FD3D-41C2-A22B-3549E8359ABB.jpeg
 

CarolM

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Yeah my Radiata do the same thing. I am curious because this female has never been near a male. Second nest underway right now.
View attachment 231288
Hi Dan
Is she one of the new Bowsprites you got? Is it not possible that the egg is one that she has kept inside her until she was ready to lay an egg? I have read that the Chersina can keep their eggs inside them for a long time before they are ready to lay it in a nest. I am trying to see where I read it and will post it once I do. Anyway my point is hopefully it is a viable egg. Sorry, newbie sticking her nose in....[emoji6]
 

Sterant

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Hi Dan,
Not sure if you have already read this, but thought I would post it as it is very interesting.

https://www.researchgate.net/public...An_Unusual_Pattern_in_a_Mediterranean_Climate
HI Carol. Yes - I have read that article - it is very interesting to say the least. The female that laid the egg is one of the two I received recently. Unfortunately, I am told by the previous keeper, that neither of them have been exposed to a male in the past 8 or 9 years - and they were juveniles at the time. It would seem there is no possibility that this egg is fertile - but of course I will waste some electricity and incubate ;-)
 

CarolM

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HI Carol. Yes - I have read that article - it is very interesting to say the least. The female that laid the egg is one of the two I received recently. Unfortunately, I am told by the previous keeper, that neither of them have been exposed to a male in the past 8 or 9 years - and they were juveniles at the time. It would seem there is no possibility that this egg is fertile - but of course I will waste some electricity and incubate ;-)
Oh what a pity. I will then hope for a case of immaculate conception then. [emoji6]
 
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jonathan gray

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Just a point of clarification: 'Immaculate Conception' refers to the act of being conceived without stain of original sin. What you are referring to is 'Virgin Birth'
 

Sterant

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My second female is nesting right now and she has successfully mated with my male about 9 days ago. Not sure if an egg that far into development can be fertilized but we will see.
 

Sterant

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The nesting process that started in post #18 went on for 3 days and finally ended today with a 2 hour dig, and a 3 hour "labor". She deposited one very large egg. You can see in the attached picture the bleeding along the pressure lines as her carapace and plastron flexed to allow the egg to pass. Looks like an exhausting process!
IMG_2494.JPG IMG_2495.JPG IMG_2496.JPG
 
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