Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two yellowfoot tortoises, the male just came into season for the first time this late summer. The female is a know producer (friend has baby from her from different male). I know they bred together. My emergency is this, I have seen her digging in different places over the past 2-3 weeks. I have not found any eggs. How can I tell if she is egg bound - I read that if she is not able to pass the eggs, she could die. I tried palpating directions to see if I could feel eggs, but she won't let me pull her leg out too far, and when I do, her skin is right to the hole of the shell, so can't really "stick" my fingers anywhere. What should I do? How long does it take for her to finally lay her eggs after breeding???

I would take her to the vet and get her x-rayed, the eggs will show up if they are in there, and I don't believe that the x-ray will harm the eggs. Regardless the most important thing is that the female is ok, being egg bound is very dangerous, i went through that with my iguanas once...
-Ian

how long since you got them? hope you had a decent nesting site for her...a radiograph/xray might be the order to whet your anxiety

My friend has had them for a couple of years. He wanted a leopard to breed, so I bought these two from him. She has two place of adequate nesting - soft soil, protected from direct sunlight, etc. to be sure she is comfortable. She was in one spot for a day without moving, so thought maybe she was laying them - but nothing. It seems like she is trying - but I haven't found anything. I called a local vet this morning, and they will check her. Are you sure the xray won't harm the eggs?

...Are you sure the xray won't harm the eggs?

it's been done before...