Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a trio off galapagos that I have had since hatchlings. 2 since 1999 that are about 50-60 pounds, and one from 2002 that is about 25 pounds. I know there are no visual ways to tell the sex at this point, but I am wondering if there is a DNA test to determine sex yet. I am afraid I am going to have all females since it seems like most breeders incubate at ~88 degrees. I even paid a breeder to incubate an egg at 82 degrees for me but he claims it never hatched and will now not return my calls. There is no way I will be able to afford an adult male, and I don't know if I could bring myself to trading one of mine for a male. Any help is appreciated.

That is the one tortoise that DNA studies have been done on to determine sexing... All inconclusive. If it is that important to you, you might consider orthoscopic determination.

>>I have a trio off galapagos that I have had since hatchlings. 2 since 1999 that are about 50-60 pounds, and one from 2002 that is about 25 pounds. I know there are no visual ways to tell the sex at this point, but I am wondering if there is a DNA test to determine sex yet. I am afraid I am going to have all females since it seems like most breeders incubate at ~88 degrees. I even paid a breeder to incubate an egg at 82 degrees for me but he claims it never hatched and will now not return my calls. There is no way I will be able to afford an adult male, and I don't know if I could bring myself to trading one of mine for a male. Any help is appreciated.
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Do you have any idea where I could get this done? I really would like to know, my goal is to be able to breed them. I don't know that I have heard of anyone that is breeding captive born galapagos. I am sure there are many people out there, but all that I have seen are very LTC adults. Also do you know the size the need to be for telling by tail size? I have heard about 12-15 years but I would think that thier weight would have alot to do with it also. The person I got mine from says his get to ~ 100lbs by 8 years but I don't see mine growing quite that fast. Mine mainly eat grass and cactus pads so that may be why. Or he could be full of it,he is the guy that screwed me out of $2000. Thanks for your help

Where are you located? There are a few good herp vets in Fla that might be able to help you but you also have to consider the risk. Is it really that important that you know the sexes? You know you're not going to get rid of them regardless.

On the growth...I know people who have raised Aldabras to 200lbs in 10 to 15 years on a regular diet. I've been using this Mazuri diet which puts on some very nice growth. It was actually developed for Galaps but I only feed it once or twice a week because they really pig out on it and I like to mix things up.

>>Do you have any idea where I could get this done? I really would like to know, my goal is to be able to breed them. I don't know that I have heard of anyone that is breeding captive born galapagos. I am sure there are many people out there, but all that I have seen are very LTC adults. Also do you know the size the need to be for telling by tail size? I have heard about 12-15 years but I would think that thier weight would have alot to do with it also. The person I got mine from says his get to ~ 100lbs by 8 years but I don't see mine growing quite that fast. Mine mainly eat grass and cactus pads so that may be why. Or he could be full of it,he is the guy that screwed me out of $2000. Thanks for your help
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Is there a large risk of damage, or do they have to put them to sleep? If there is a risk its probably not worth it to me. Do you know of any breeders that incubate clutches for males? I figure I have about 10 years to wait anyway so whats a few more to raise another hatchling. I would rather do that and I would be willing to pay alot extra for the baby. Do you know of anyone selling males? Not that I have the $ but it would be nice to know if I do end up with all females.I bought all of these in FL so I would still have to get a permit to get one from out of state. Once I get the permit I would be willing to drive pretty much anywhere to get a temp sexed male.I live near gainesville, I know UF has a large vet school so maybe I could check there. Thanks

The tortoise would have to be put under and that always scares me. Outside of that it is a very simple procedure from what I understand.

That would be an excellent resource to check a vet school.

I can't think of anyone who consistantly breeds Galaps but they do pop up from time to time as I guess you know.

btw, 88F seems like a good median range for incubating tortoise eggs. Who knows... you do have a 50/50 (or something like that)chance.

>>Is there a large risk of damage, or do they have to put them to sleep? If there is a risk its probably not worth it to me. Do you know of any breeders that incubate clutches for males? I figure I have about 10 years to wait anyway so whats a few more to raise another hatchling. I would rather do that and I would be willing to pay alot extra for the baby. Do you know of anyone selling males? Not that I have the $ but it would be nice to know if I do end up with all females.I bought all of these in FL so I would still have to get a permit to get one from out of state. Once I get the permit I would be willing to drive pretty much anywhere to get a temp sexed male.I live near gainesville, I know UF has a large vet school so maybe I could check there. Thanks
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I thought 85 degrees was about the cut off for males. I could be wrong though. It is pretty hard to find alot of info on these guys. If 88 gives about 50/50 I might be worrying for nothing. Thanks for all the help.

I talked to UF about the othoscopic sexing and they said there is one vet that does do it there. He is out of town until the end of the month though and no one there knew much about the procedure. He is supposed to call me when he gets back. No one there knew the cost of the procedure though so that kind of worries me.