Incubation...

[Jay.j]

OK...
So I'm concidering breeding my beautiful Horsfields but want to get as much information about it as possible before I head of on this venture so any information, recomended reading, etc would be more than welcome!
Any info/advice on incubation/incubating equiptment would be particularly welcome.
Thanks

[Joe H]

from http://russiantortoise.net/breeding.htm

Incubation:

I like to have an incubator set up prior to egg laying. I use the Hovabator. Its fairly cheap and keeps a constant temperature. An accurate digital max/min thermometer is a must. It can take a few days to get the temperature right. Most recommend the temperature to be set between 29°C (84.2°F) and 35°C (95°F).  I have personally found that temps over 32.22°C (90°F) results in less hatchings. I prefer  31.67°C (89°F). Sex determination is temperature dependent, with lower temps producing males and higher temps producing females. At 31.67°C (89°F) I get females.  If the temps are too high shell deformities (such as extra scutes) will occur. In the past I have set the temperature to 30°C (86°F) and got a mix of males and females without deformities.

Before digging up the eggs, set up a Tupperware container big enough to hold the eggs( you can see some examples below).  Fill it half way with moist vermiculite (available at garden centers). To moisten the vermiculite , mix with an equal amount of water by weight.

Once the eggs are laid, carefully dig them up being sure not to rotate or flip them. I use a soft lead pencil to mark the date and weight on the top of the egg. Bury it half way in the vermiculite and cover with a damp piece of paper towel or some strands of damp sphagnum moss. Put the lid on loosely.  In the incubator I put a few open containers of water. This helps keep the temps stable and helps with humidity. If all goes well they should hatch in 8-12 weeks.

Between 2-4 weeks blood vessels may be visible when candling. Candling is shining a bright light through the egg. Its best done in a dark room. Be careful not to turn the egg. Click here to see how to candle eggs.

[KQ6AR]

A lot of people use the small hovabator incubators, with wafer thermostats.
Their electronic themostats don't go low enough for reptiles, unless they have redesigned them since I checked years ago.

 I incubate 88-89F between 70-80% humidity. When you dig up eggs mark the top with a pencil or market, & make sure that mark remains on top. Never rotate the eggs.

60-80 days they will hatch, if you meet the above requirements. At those temps they will be mostly female, at 87F you might get some males. at higher temps you will get some shell deformities. Lower temps more males.

[Jay.j]

Thanks Guys

[go_fish]

I was wondering if anybody recommends the Zoomed incubator?

[Jay.j]

I was wondering if anybody recommends the Zoomed incubator?

Whats the difference between that and the other one mentioned? Is it just preference or is there a difference in tecnical specification?

[KQ6AR]

The one I use is an EQF cabinet incubator with drawers that pull out.
As long as it can maintain the temp you want, without drifting it will work.

[foxpirata]

Well i´m from Spain, It´s the first time that my tortoise lay eggs, just now she has layed 3 more .  I use the jager incubator and i´m happy . There is another2 eggs with 21 days of incubation and  now i can see the veins. Sorry for my english y saludos a todo el mundo.

[moeNlily]

thats so exciting, good luck....(buena suerte, i think)

[Jay.j]

Have 2 eggs from Athena (my new female) they are in the incubator now! I am both thrilled & terrified! I feel very unprepared, she already had eggs in her when she came to me.

[welovevader]

Have 2 eggs from Athena (my new female) they are in the incubator now! I am both thrilled & terrified! I feel very unprepared, she already had eggs in her when she came to me.

Congrats and good luck!

[moeNlily]

Thats soo exciting, good luck!

[Jay.j]

I held a torch on the eggs about 15 days after I popped them in the incubator, couldn't see anything though. Do you think this means that they aren't fertile Or can I still keep my fingers crossed?

[Joe H]

I held a torch on the eggs about 15 days after I popped them in the incubator, couldn't see anything though. Do you think this means that they aren't fertile Or can I still keep my fingers crossed?

I only see "stuff" on about half the eggs I candle. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Jay.j]

Thanks, will let you know what happens!