CarolM
Well-Known Member
Okay. Thank you for that Mark. I actually went and bought vermiculite and replaced the soil. As after reading more of the posts on incubation I rethought the use of the soil. I also want to know if I can protect the eggs in their container could I possibly put them outside during the day where they will get the natural heat of the day and then bring them in during the night? I would place them in the same spot where they were originally laid. So not in direct sunlight and under a bird cage top for protection. Or should I leave them where they are inside.@CarolM I would be a bit concerned about covering the egg 75% with native soil. An egg can get suffocated and needs air around it. When laying eggs, tortoises carefully construct a chamber that is open to lay their eggs in. And when they lay, the carefully turn the eggs and position it so it is not buried and moving freely in the chamber. When they cover the nest chamber, they are not simply burying the eggs. They release water as they are digging and create some mud they form a plug with to plug the top of the nest chamber, leaving the eggs with open air around them. An egg simply buried in dirt will suffocate.
Most of us use vermiculite as it allow air flow through it and around the egg. Some simply place the eggs on a moist surface. Just ensure there is good air contact around the egg.