First Clutch of Phayrei

ScottAudette

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Hi All,

Well after fifteen years of rearing and waiting we finally have our first clutch of Phayrei in the incubator. This pair came from Vic Morgan as yearlings in 2003 and we've had them ever since.

It's been quite the learning curve the last 24 hours for us. Last year our female, Grapes, dropped a few eggs around the enclosure but we didn't see ANY nesting instincts. No pacing, back sweeping, zilch. So, we waved it off for being too young. But this year we felt like we'd see the first clutch.

Four weeks ago we we had a ton of pacing, wore a path completly around her 1800 sq ft enclosure. We saw some occasional back sweeping but it seemed that she never found a spot she liked. That being said the pen is a tree filled so she had lots of pine needles, leaves to work with and we supplemented with lots hay. We are wondering if she might have been stressed from the male being around. Next year we will move him out come June 1.

Anyways, yesterday morning we found an egg laying out but no nest. So, rather then chance things we brought her to Dr. Bruce Bogoslavksy in Orlando. Quick x-ray and we confirmed she still had plenty of eggs. ;) (See the photo)​

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After some consideration we decided to go ahead and give her oxytocin to get things moving. And moving it did. We live about an hour from where Dr. Bogoslavsky works in Orlando. But thanks to mother nature and Orlando traffic it looks us two and a half hours to get home. In which time my 14 year old son played catcher as Grapes laid 15 eggs in the backseat (she was in a container). Fortunately, we came prepared and had an egg box with us!

So, now here we are 24 hours later, two shots of oxytocin and 35 eggs in the incubator we've moved her back out to the pen where she's chowing down on some food. We are hoping that we will see the rest of the eggs naturally this weekend.

Just wanted to share our excitement with all of you!

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Kapidolo Farms

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I found last year and @tortadise has demonstrated that the eggs do well to be completely under your incubation substrate. Kelly has a both simple yet elaborate system that works well for him. I just use Hatchrite. We both fully cover the eggs.

I hope you get some neonates, they are rascally little tortoises.
 

ScottAudette

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Thanks all!

Will, I just sourced some Hatchrite and will pick it up tomorrow to try your suggestion. Local cyclura breeder pal has some!

Have you tried it above the substrate as well? Wondering wether to try one box above and one box below.

I appreciate all the input, we are so stoked. We'd be happy with ONE neonate!
 

ScottAudette

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@Will also once buried are you putting the lids on the boxes? If so are you adding any airholes on the side?

I'm guessing your just leaving the tops open since the eggs are buried.
 

teresaf

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I found last year and @tortadise has demonstrated that the eggs do well to be completely under your incubation substrate. Kelly has a both simple yet elaborate system that works well for him. I just use Hatchrite. We both fully cover the eggs.
I hope you get some neonates, they are rascally little tortoises.

For future reference... How do you know they're hatching if they're completely buried? They just dig out? You do that get to see them pip though : (
 

HermanniChris

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@HermanniChris, how have you incubated yours? You've had good success with hatching.
Very simply, moistened organic vermiculite in large deli containers with few holes poked in. I've had success with temperatures between 84 and 88.6F. I've never had an issue with mold or insects on them. I find them to be very similar to wood and box turtle eggs. Love this species. ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1497663501.403052.jpg
 

teresaf

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Very simply, moistened organic vermiculite in large deli containers with few holes poked in. I've had success with temperatures between 84 and 88.6F. I've never had an issue with mold or insects on them. I find them to be very similar to wood and box turtle eggs. Love this species. View attachment 210489
I KNOW! They're so personable....do you cover the whole egg as well?
 

Baoh

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Scott,

First off, congratulations to you and yours. I hope the other eggs pass safely and you have a high viability rate.

Secondly, what was the straight carapace length of Grapes last year? And this year? Thanks.
 

ScottAudette

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@Baoh I will have to bust out the tape measure. To be honest we've never really tracked them size wise accept for the occasional weight.
 

Baoh

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@Baoh I will have to bust out the tape measure. To be honest we've never really tracked them size wise accept for the occasional weight.

I will look forward to that measurement (when time permits).

What temperature are you incubating at?
 

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