Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have just built a very high tech, large capacity, Redwood, incubator to hatch out tortoise eggs. We have the ability to control the exact humidity level and would love to hear from other tortoise breeders to get their recommendations and suggestions on what is the ideal humidity level? We currently house and breed African Sulcata Tortoises and Madagascar Radiated Tortoises. Any help and feedback would be extremely appreciated.

Sincerely,

Jason Abels
jabels@mindspring.com

Tigerhomes Animal Sanctuary

I have never produced tortoises in captivity, but have read some from people who have produced them. The common thought seems to be incubation temps in the mid-80's, and humidity supplied by damp, but not wet, vermiculite in relatively sealed clear plastic boxes. I have not seen anything stating exactly measured humidity levels. However, based on the degree of moisture in their incubation media, and my experience with incubation of other reptile species, I would say that the humidity they are working with would be around 85 to 90%. As I stated earlier, this level of humidity would be in combination with a damp, but not wet substrate. As you are probably aware, a wet substrate will cause major problems with tortoise eggs.

Kelly

Thank you so much, Kelly. I actually do not use a substrate when I incubate our tortoise eggs. Instead they are individually cradled in egg trays allowing air to circulate on all sides.

Anyhow, I appreciate your input to the actual humidity levels.

Jason

Sounds like a good approach. I have seen people use that technique quite successfully with python eggs from species that inhabit drier climates.

Kelly

ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANY TORTOISE EGG, INCUBATOR HUMIDITY LEVEL THOUGHTS?????

Jason