Well, After waiting 36, yes thirtysix, years my european pond tortoise( Emys orbicularis)just surprised me by laying four eggs in the water! I had her on her own for about about 30 years until the wonders of the internet allowed me to buy some more of her species from Russia via California to here in Ireland about 6 years ago.I'd sporadically had her in the tank with two males and there had been a lot of male riding on top of female and on top of the other male activity. I never saw any cloacal contact and put it down to bullying. I was away last week and had noticed the week before that she was messing about with her food but not actually swallowing it. I was starting to worry a bit for her health and was keeping my eye on her. This morning I went to feed her and she was ravenous, swallowing her food like she'd never eaten before. Suddenly I noticed her platform was moved to one side and pulling it out I found 4 perfect eggs on the bottom of the tank. I pulled them out and set them up in a peat mixture on a bain marie set up. Does anyone have any knowledge about the eggs' survival under water? they were laid only last night I think so they were under water possibly for 12 hours or so. Is it possible they are still viable or is it already too late? any experienced info would be welcome. I can't wait another 36 years for a clutch. I'd better take more notice next year.

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