Laying eggs

[danieledwards2006]

I had my 3 females xrayed today to make sure they werent holding any eggs before I hibernate them. One of my females is carrying 5 eggs they are fine and ready to be laid. What is the best way to make a nesting site? has anyone got any pics of their normal sites?

 

[GBtortoises]

I've used two different style of indoor nesting sites. One way is to install a plastic container into the floor of the enclosure using the rim of the container and sometime below it to support the weight when filled. Most plastic containers that are at least one and half times the length and width of the largest tortoise that will use it should work fine. The second method that I've used is to use a good sized plastic tub or storage container and either build a wooden ramp up to it or cut a doorway in the side of it for the tortoise to enter. Regardless of which method the nesting substrate needs to be a minimum of 6" for a Hermann's tortoise and closer to 8" would be better. I use a mixture of organic soil, coconut coir and ground sphagnum and make sure that it is slightly moist throughout. If it's too wet they will not usually nest in it and if it's too dry it will not hold it's shape well enough for them to create an egg chamber. I place a 60-75 incandescent bulb about 14" above the nesting site at a slight angle. It's also a good idea to remove any other tortoises that may interfere with the female's nesting attempts by basking in the nesting site and climbing over and around her as she is trying to nest.
A third alternative is to have a seperate nesting enclosure or box ready and move her too it when she begins to show signs of seriously trying to nest (frantic pacing, continually sniffing the ground, attempting to dig). I've done this with a fair amount of success. Many tortoises don't like being removed from their familiar surroundings and this will sometimes disrupt their nesting attempts.
http://s637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/GBtortoises/Enclosures/?action=view&current=enclosure-11.jpg
http://s637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/GBtortoises/Enclosures/?action=view&current=DSC00421.jpg
http://s637.photobucket.com/albums/uu99/GBtortoises/Enclosures/?action=view&current=DSC03313.jpg