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This is a little late but when I recieved my Reptiles Magazine for March in the mail several weeks ago, I read a very well written article on Leopard tortoise breeding! And who was it written by? E.J. Pirog! I normally don't post in any forums but I do frequent them and read what every one else is working with etc. I do reply privatly though. But this time is different 2 thumbs up for a very well represented article.

On a side note you wrote that "prior to laying her eggs, a female leopard tortoise often releases a foamy discharge from her tear ducts."(this was under the caption of a picture on page 37 the article does reference it on page 36). Question is 1. I have noticed this actually in my colony of red foots, and never took notice of it, until that is last week when my one female started doing it and then laid eggs several days later. It wasn't so much like the discharge in the picture, rather bubbly discharge. Question is have you heard of this in other species of tortoise like I have encounter?
2. What do you think the reason for this is. Do you think it is to be some sort of protection mechanism? Like protecting thier eyes from kicked dirt and sand? Any way Congrats on one heck of achievment!
Vic
Exclusively Exotics

Vic,

Thank you very much. I too was impressed with the article and it's not an ego thing. The editor did a great job of properly formating the material I provided. I've never had this kind of response to any other article I've written and there have been a few.

As to the eye foaming... I have not seen this in other tortoises I've bred but the leopard has been the most productive for me and that indication has been noticably consistant. I've never given much thought to the mechanism as to why they do it. I've looked for it in the Greeks and Egyptians but have not seen this. My RFs are coming of breeding size this year... we'll see.

Again, thanks.

Ed

ps check out my book on Russian Tortoises and Testudo in general by TFH. It too came out well.

>>This is a little late but when I recieved my Reptiles Magazine for March in the mail several weeks ago, I read a very well written article on Leopard tortoise breeding! And who was it written by? E.J. Pirog! I normally don't post in any forums but I do frequent them and read what every one else is working with etc. I do reply privatly though. But this time is different 2 thumbs up for a very well represented article.
>>
>>On a side note you wrote that "prior to laying her eggs, a female leopard tortoise often releases a foamy discharge from her tear ducts."(this was under the caption of a picture on page 37 the article does reference it on page 36). Question is 1. I have noticed this actually in my colony of red foots, and never took notice of it, until that is last week when my one female started doing it and then laid eggs several days later. It wasn't so much like the discharge in the picture, rather bubbly discharge. Question is have you heard of this in other species of tortoise like I have encounter?
>>2. What do you think the reason for this is. Do you think it is to be some sort of protection mechanism? Like protecting thier eyes from kicked dirt and sand? Any way Congrats on one heck of achievment!
>>Vic
>>Exclusively Exotics
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

It's good to thank the editors etc but don't be modest! This is an achievment not many of us will succeed! The information you brought well to put it easily you brought it! Anyway.
I will start documenting this behavior in the redfoots(i.e. taking pictures etc) for my females usually start going all around the same time. Funny thing is my females in this group are not so typical in their own right. My females almost never nest. Just usually they begin to drop their eggs 1-2 at a time over days or weeks. Laying box provided but yet they still do this. Sad thing is I do lose many to trampling etc. I don't know why this is. It is a very well established group which would nest properly early on in their breeding career, now just take the lazy approach. I have though just started to add "mud holes" and rain systems to see if they decide to do it then. It's difficult during the winter months up north. But for whatever reason they seem to always want to lay this time of the year even though in a few short months they will be outside grazing. Also my female pancakes have just begun pacing, and looking for a nesting site, so I will keep my eyes open for their possible discharge. Again Congrats, and I will surely look out for your book, even thought I do not dwell in the russian tortoise breeding, I am sure it will be a good read!

I read the article as well. Very informative. What tortoises would recommend if I am looking for a small beautiful tortoise with tons of personality?
Michael Burton

Redfoot for sure. You can find some nice Cherry heads.

>>I read the article as well. Very informative. What tortoises would recommend if I am looking for a small beautiful tortoise with tons of personality?
>>Michael Burton
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I saw your other thread below and your post here. It is good that you are trying to get some helpful ideas from everyone here, but I honestly think now is your turn to decide. Their are alot of great suggestions, now I think you need to sit them all aside and go over your specs. What climatic area are you in(nice all year round, high humidity area) and that should rule out some of the succestions. i.e If you are in a high humidity area, rule out the egyptians and pancakes etc. Now after you have done all of that do some research on the rest look at what their dietary requirements are and all over good research, now it is time for you to decide what tortoise is best for you! I agree with E.J. a redfoot is in mine and many many other breeders out there's opinion to be one of the most personable, and cherry heads due on average stay at max 8-10" for females, male of course smaller, but if you decide to go that route remember they will need some humidity etc. Also look for good high quality babies that are nice and healthy and a great representation for the species. It is winter so many of the torts and turts are not readily available till warmer weather aproaches, maybe wait till then? I know my redfoots have just started to lay now, so a few months before babies are here for me. Don't just jump into geting another reptile. I know at times it can be very hard to fight the urges, the addiction can suck you in! Another good thing to do is go to http://www.kingsnake.com/events.html
Look up you closest herp event and look around ask questions in person, hold the tort, look at it get to know what you are getting! Hope this is helpful and good luck.

I am definately waiting until summer months to get a good healthy selection. I am leaning towards a het for albino red foot if I can find one. I am a sucker for color morphs and patterns. I now live in St. Louis, Mo but I'm moving to NYC this summer. I will keep you all posted and post some pics when I get my baby. Thanks again.

p.s. do you know who works with albino red foots?

Michael Burton

I don't remember if my female leopards foamed before they laid but one of my female redfoots does every time. But she gets bubbles in the corners of her mouth...not her eyes. In addition to pacing, this is one of the dead giveaways of her wanting to nest. The bubbles disappear after a day of so.
I am not sure if it is a stress related 'symptom' or if it is associated with her nest searching behavior. My other females don't seem to have this happen to them.

Now I will have to go out and buy Ed's article!