Eggs

[Lalaruby]

My Ruby is approx 18yrs and has started to dig among her plants, I've been told she may want to lay eggs even though she's never been with another tort.
Was after information as to what to look out for, how long til she lays eggs, how to know if egg bound and basic character changes if this is the case.

 

[wellington]

What species is she?

 

[wellington]

They usually will dig a few test holes, abandon them and move on to maybe dig another. Sometimes first timers lay their eggs on top of the ground.

 

[Lalaruby]

They usually will dig a few test holes, abandon them and move on to maybe dig another. Sometimes first timers lay their eggs on top of the ground.

She's a horsefield. Been in same spot for around 24 hrs, Is that too long?

 

[wellington]

What are your temps last few days?
Many Russians have been having brumation type activity due to places in the UK having colder temps. Possibly she is digging in trying to brumate if your temps have been cold.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

How is she now? If she is planning on brumating, she would be eating less than usual.

 

[Lalaruby]

She's fine now, eating a little and back under heat lamp. Think like you say she brumating. She does normally start to hibernate early to mid September so makes sense.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

What do you think, @Tom how to make sure it is brumation?

 

[Tom]

What do you think, @Tom how to make sure it is brumation?

Shouldn't be this early in the season. Its still August...

@Lalaruby we need more info. How are you housing this tortoise? Is it indoors or out? Enclosures size, heating and lighting equipment, and what are your four temperatures? Warm side, cool side, basking area, and overnight low?

 

[Markw84]

Shouldn't be this early in the season. Its still August...

@Lalaruby we need more info. How are you housing this tortoise? Is it indoors or out? Enclosures size, heating and lighting equipment, and what are your four temperatures? Warm side, cool side, basking area, and overnight low?

Except that the sun height now in Chorley, UK is the same as it would be here in late November!

It could well be wanting to start brumation.

 

[Tom]

Except that the sun height now in Chorley, UK is the same as it would be here in late November!

It could well be wanting to start brumation.

If that is the case, then the temps and lighting info should help us get things sorted out for Lalaruby.