aidbre94
New Member
Hello all,
I just thought I’d spark a friendly conversation about tortoise breeding. For background, I have one sub-adult Russian & one hatchling Egyptian that are thriving, from lots of help from the forum & my tortoise breeder.
I am eventually going to get one of the Hermann’s to round out my wants & spacial limits etc in regards to my outdoor pens & indoor winter enclosures. I like the idea of reproducing babies for a few reasons but I’m not sold on it just because of overhead, space etc so I for sure won’t be diving into that until some serious time & learning have been completed.
My main question to all keepers whether you’re a long-time breeder, or maybe you’ve kept solitary tortoises for a long time is a question I can’t seem to find an answer to; do they need sexual stimulation?
For example I probably will never be able to reproduce Egyptians ethically in my country due to there being literally two blood lines owned by one breeder (awesome breeder who I’ve worked with now for a few years), and although some have been producing babies from what are likely siblings, it’s not my cup of tea. But has anyone ever noticed any negative implications from animals being kept alone their whole life without even sexual stimulation; even if it’s not successful breeding? I know they’re are solitary by nature but I’m just talking those few moments a year in the wild where they do seek a mate.
I know it’s a very odd question & I apologize for the big read but it’s been a burning question I’ve had for years and just would like some insight because although I don’t have much serious intention on breeding right now, but in time I’d be open to it diversify my countries bloodlines (not the Egyptian) but especially if it’s felt to be a semi- necessary practice in regards to their total well being.
Thanks!
I just thought I’d spark a friendly conversation about tortoise breeding. For background, I have one sub-adult Russian & one hatchling Egyptian that are thriving, from lots of help from the forum & my tortoise breeder.
I am eventually going to get one of the Hermann’s to round out my wants & spacial limits etc in regards to my outdoor pens & indoor winter enclosures. I like the idea of reproducing babies for a few reasons but I’m not sold on it just because of overhead, space etc so I for sure won’t be diving into that until some serious time & learning have been completed.
My main question to all keepers whether you’re a long-time breeder, or maybe you’ve kept solitary tortoises for a long time is a question I can’t seem to find an answer to; do they need sexual stimulation?
For example I probably will never be able to reproduce Egyptians ethically in my country due to there being literally two blood lines owned by one breeder (awesome breeder who I’ve worked with now for a few years), and although some have been producing babies from what are likely siblings, it’s not my cup of tea. But has anyone ever noticed any negative implications from animals being kept alone their whole life without even sexual stimulation; even if it’s not successful breeding? I know they’re are solitary by nature but I’m just talking those few moments a year in the wild where they do seek a mate.
I know it’s a very odd question & I apologize for the big read but it’s been a burning question I’ve had for years and just would like some insight because although I don’t have much serious intention on breeding right now, but in time I’d be open to it diversify my countries bloodlines (not the Egyptian) but especially if it’s felt to be a semi- necessary practice in regards to their total well being.
Thanks!