Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I think I know this answer.

You've seen all these eggs, etc. Laid as recent as 9/22/04 (far right.. still moist from nest). First batch on left in July.

NO LIFE when candled.. these are from 6 year old females that I raised from hatchlings.. males are LTC adults 10.5"++.

Given the numbers.. you can see why I'm somewhat disappointed.

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

it seems like you've been so diligent in their care, too... maybe one of your males is shooting "blanks"...

in all seriousness, though, i really do wonder you might have a feritlity issue? how many males were potential dads? i'm sure you'll eventually have beautiful hatchlings, perhaps in the next round.

I appreciate that Carly!

Since fall is here.. the last of the daytime 70's in E.TN.. a "protein" treat outside seemed to be in order!

The "Alpha" male is at 6 o'clock in the attached.. he being the main breeder.

The girls that laid all the eggs.. are the 3 pyramided ones at the top/left. They are the Columbian ones.

And of course Sonshine (@ 5 o'clock) and Sister. Hopefully they and shy JR (7 o'clock) will produce good eggs.. since they have recently shown breeding activity!

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

Do you think maybe... just maybe... a smidgen of patience is in order. 6 years old is not very old in tortoise years.

I've got many tortoises that lay infertile eggs and it can com down to so many factors and every one of those factors is a wag.
-----
Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Sorry to hear about the eggs, Terry. You were so excited...
Maybe you should still keep them though? Or is it absolutely sure, that they are not fertile?

Ed might be right in that the females are still very young. I have heard from a number of people, that their young females laid infertile eggs for a while.
At least you know, that they are big enough to lay their eggs and have no trouble with pushing them out in one piece.

The babies will come, you'll see! You just have teenage girls!
I love the picture of your group at feeding time!

Good luck for what's going to come,
Gaby

Thanks Gaby.. you always come through.. and Ed.. and Carl.. and Carly. It's nice to have a "tortoise family" (don't "tear-up" on me Ed)

Carl has reassured me that he has had eggs that show NO candling life for 3 months.. and then they hatched in 5 months!! I'm not about to throw them out.

What has amazed me is that I've literally dug-up 22 eggs from 3 females.. doubting that they were even old enough to even develop them. (not counting 5 eggs found on the ground)

Yes I am very pleased that they have done as well as they have.. digging nests, developing and laying whole eggs.

At this rate.. when the time comes.. I'll have plenty for anyone who wants one!!!

AND.. can you believe this? At 6 pm CT today.. @ 64 F.. my largest Columbian was found doing this.. but she must have run into a big rock or something.. she didn't finish digging.

She's inside resting now after a big drink.. and has a "nesting" area inside. More eggs????

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

...nothing is over until it's over Terry! and I thought you said:
"You gotta love 'em!"?

so get rid of that dang clock for now, be patient and a lot !!!

n/p

Nobody said they were DEAD.. someone suggested that I candle the eggs after 30 days or so.. which I did. Since nothing showed.. (like my spotted turtle eggs have.. I KNOW THESE AREN'T TURTLES.. THEY ARE TORTOISES) I asked if they were DEAD? And if so why? "Younger".. "first time" tortoises have a tendency to drop dead eggs.. isn't that true?

Does the name Job mean anything to you eco?? I forgot to wind my clock...

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

>>Does the name Job mean anything to you eco??

Nope...could you be a little more elaborate?

THE PATIENCE OF JOB.. OLD TESTAMENT SAINT.

You gotta love 'em!

Terry

>>THE PATIENCE OF JOB.. OLD TESTAMENT SAINT.

Hmmm...sure it's old...but I'm a bit worry about that old unwind clock of yours...can't imagine if it drop on that batch of eggs...it's quite large and condense don't you think?

(kow=)

'I gotta knock-on-wood for ya'

...because they are BIGGER than the REAL things
(Hmmm! I wonder if the moderator give me a choice of color...I'm now thinking about RED