Mediterranean breeding pro's

[Fernando]

What type of area does a female Mediterranean tortoise look for, when she's ready to drop eggs?

Does it have to be soft and moist? Shaded?

Or would she look for something that is somewhat hidden?

This might even apply to most, if not all type tortoises.

Any suggestions or tips that have worked for you?
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Thanks

 

[egyptiandan]

I've had good luck with either soil or peat. Both damp (so it holds together when the female digs) and packed down tight (for the same reason as damp ). My females have always chosen a warm location, either in the sun or been warmed by sun or if inside under a spot light or to the side of it. Some females don't mind you seeing them when they are digging a nest and other females will abandon nesting all together if they see you (though very few if any will abandon a nest once they start laying eggs). I have a female T.g.ibera who is fine with me watching her if she lays inside, but outside if she sees me she will abandon the nest. Some tortoises will want to lay next to something (like a rock, a clump of grass or have their butt up to the corner of the enclosure).

Danny

 

[Yvonne G]

My female Russian, Fat Betty, chose a spot right next to a little wooden house in their pen. My soil is heavy clay, but I've dug a shovel's-depth of decomposed horse manure into it. The nest was on the east side of the wooden house, but on the west end of the habitat.

 

[Fernando]

So we need warm, moist, soft but packed area. Possibly, near something they can bump up next to (i.e. Rock or hide)

hmmm...interesting