Trudy laid four eggs

[Lybingham]

Trudy and Mr T have separate enclosures outside. A couple weeks ago Trudy started digging shallow holes next to bushes. At first I thought she was trying to dig another burrow for some reason. Then I could tell she was digging to lay eggs. Now her and Mr T have not been together. I read that CDT can hold sperm for years. She was given to us well over a year ago (because too many babies!) and she layed eggs (very sad, all in my previous posts). Well, Miss Trudy has laid four eggs. I’m not touching or moving them. I put about a half inch of dirt over them. They are in the sun most of the day and in the sprinkler zone. I have put a large Tupperware lid (coved) and a windshield sun deflector over that to give protection from the sprinklers and I hope, from the sun’s heat. There is a place for air on one end. I am going to box in the area with 2x4s and redo the cover. If they survive, I want them contained until I can get a home setup for them. Any other suggestions?

 

[Tom]

Trudy and Mr T have separate enclosures outside. A couple weeks ago Trudy started digging shallow holes next to bushes. At first I thought she was trying to dig another burrow for some reason. Then I could tell she was digging to lay eggs. Now her and Mr T have not been together. I read that CDT can hold sperm for years. She was given to us well over a year ago (because too many babies!) and she layed eggs (very sad, all in my previous posts). Well, Miss Trudy has laid four eggs. I’m not touching or moving them. I put about a half inch of dirt over them. They are in the sun most of the day and in the sprinkler zone. I have put a large Tupperware lid (coved) and a windshield sun deflector over that to give protection from the sprinklers and I hope, from the sun’s heat. There is a place for air on one end. I am going to box in the area with 2x4s and redo the cover. If they survive, I want them contained until I can get a home setup for them. Any other suggestions?

If she laid them on the surface, they cannot survive that way. If you don't want to incubate them, you may as well chuck them. A half inch of dirt won't protect them.

 

[Lybingham]

Thank you, Tom. They aren’t exactly on the surface. I would say, a shallow hole. I can put more dirt over them. I really don’t want more tortoises but I am very hesitant to “chuck” them. It’s the Mom and love of all animals in me I guess. How long will she continue to lay eggs?

 

[Tom]

Thank you, Tom. They aren’t exactly on the surface. I would say, a shallow hole. I can put more dirt over them. I really don’t want more tortoises but I am very hesitant to “chuck” them. It’s the Mom and love of all animals in me I guess. How long will she continue to lay eggs?

Check your messages.

Babies can be given away for free. You don't have to keep them. Just don't give them to CTTC people if you don't want them to die of dehydration. I will help you find good homes and tell you how to get them thriving. I've done it many times over the years.

No way to know how many clutches she will lay. With the two of them in close proximity, she may continue for ever. They can "sense" each others presence. It would be interesting to see what happens with fertility over time. I know leopards can hold it and produce fertile offspring for at least 5 five years after breeding, and sulcatas can only produce fertile eggs for about 5 or 6 months without a "re-fresh". No one knows what the time frame for a DT is.

 

[Lybingham]

I have read my message. Thank you!