Hi there,
Last week I noticed my leopard tortoise digging and straining. I was concerned about egg binding and took her to the vet for X-rays. They show that there are six eggs, are located in located in the middle of the body cavity, nothing appears jammed in the pelvis. Two of the eggs have thicker shells than the others.
For some background. Binky 13 years old, 10.9 lbs. I also have a male they are housed separately but there was a “jail break” last summer so it is possible that the eggs ar fertile. Her enclosure is roughly 5x7 feet, warm hide at 85F cool hide at 72F, ambient room temp 66F. UVB basking spot 85F. She had an area of 4” deep soil substrate but now that I see eggs I have increased it to 10”. We do daily warm soaks. She is active, walking tall, eating and drinking, but has been getting a bit snotty.
I will be talking to vet again early next week, for more x-rays if needed, but will call sooner if she goes downhill.
So after all that... Is there anything else I can do?
What should I be looking for?
How long does it usually take between the start of nesting behaviour and laying?
In your experience is it better to be conservative or aggressive with induction?
I may be getting ahead of myself, but is there any point to trying to incubate these eggs if they come out intact?
Thanks everyone, I am happy to answer any questions.
Last week I noticed my leopard tortoise digging and straining. I was concerned about egg binding and took her to the vet for X-rays. They show that there are six eggs, are located in located in the middle of the body cavity, nothing appears jammed in the pelvis. Two of the eggs have thicker shells than the others.
For some background. Binky 13 years old, 10.9 lbs. I also have a male they are housed separately but there was a “jail break” last summer so it is possible that the eggs ar fertile. Her enclosure is roughly 5x7 feet, warm hide at 85F cool hide at 72F, ambient room temp 66F. UVB basking spot 85F. She had an area of 4” deep soil substrate but now that I see eggs I have increased it to 10”. We do daily warm soaks. She is active, walking tall, eating and drinking, but has been getting a bit snotty.
I will be talking to vet again early next week, for more x-rays if needed, but will call sooner if she goes downhill.
So after all that... Is there anything else I can do?
What should I be looking for?
How long does it usually take between the start of nesting behaviour and laying?
In your experience is it better to be conservative or aggressive with induction?
I may be getting ahead of myself, but is there any point to trying to incubate these eggs if they come out intact?
Thanks everyone, I am happy to answer any questions.