egg laying substrate and temp

[Anyfoot]

Hi all

What is the ideal substrate and substrate temperature to encourage a redfoot to lay her eggs?

Thank you

Craig

 

[Yvonne G]

I really can't help with this, but wanted to respond so the question gets moved closer to the top once again.

I just have YF tortoises and my females have never dug holes. They just scrape away a little of the top soil and deposit the eggs more or less on top of the ground.

I think basically, what you want, is something that holds its shape as she digs, and doesn't fall back into the hole. Let's send a shout out ot @N2TORTS He seems to have some very good luck with his RF's digging and laying.

 

[N2TORTS]

Well thank you Yvonne for the shout ......as I don't really like to give "advice" (there seems to be a constant head butting ) my own experience
and what I use ....is a 75/25 mix of Vermiculite/Pearlite mix and run temps anywhere from 84-86, with a constant humidity of 85-90%. Now grant it after re-reading the post ....this is "after the fact she laid". This type set up will not encourage your female to lay...She will lay when ready ( and that can take several days of test holes and pacing) unless egg-bound. Although I'm lucky to have year round weather and my tortoises are kept outside- as natural as possible. Females will look for spots at least 10-12" deep and if they hit an obstruction will stop and look for somewhere else.
So in that retrospect , I do have "nesting areas" within the yard which is no more than clean fill/soil to help the females "choose a spot" and actually is more a convenience for the keeper and egg collecting as they are ultra stealth in covering the nest and if not witnessed as to where she laid, and is easily missed.
Hope this helps........Happy Nesting!


PS:
The Vermiculite is for retaining moisture while the Pearlite adds "bulk" and provides aeration.....

 

[N2TORTS]

 

[Anyfoot]

Well thank you Yvonne for the shout ......as I don't really like to give "advice" (there seems to be a constant head butting ) my own experience
and what I use ....is a 75/25 mix of Vermiculite/Pearlite mix and run temps anywhere from 84-86, with a constant humidity of 85-90%. Now grant it after re-reading the post ....this is "after the fact she laid". This type set up will not encourage your female to lay...She will lay when ready ( and that can take several days of test holes and pacing) unless egg-bound. Although I'm lucky to have year round weather and my tortoises are kept outside- as natural as possible. Females will look for spots at least 10-12" deep and if they hit an obstruction will stop and look for somewhere else.
So in that retrospect , I do have "nesting areas" within the yard which is no more than clean fill/soil to help the females "choose a spot" and actually is more a convenience for the keeper and egg collecting as they are ultra stealth in covering the nest and if not witnessed as to where she laid, and is easily missed.
Hope this helps........Happy Nesting!


PS:
The Vermiculite is for retaining moisture while the Pearlite adds "bulk" and provides aeration.....

Thanks JD. That as answered what I needed to know. Cheers. No need for 1st photo, I constantly look on your website to pinch ideas. lol

 

[N2TORTS]

Happy Birthday!