Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am having a heck of a time hatching eggs in my star torts, and figured that I could give some specs for what I am doing and see what my issue may be.

I have a 1.2 group of stars that are approximately 7 or 8 years old. The male is about 600 grams, and females around 1000 and 1500 grams. Last year I saw the male trying to mount the smaller female. A few months later, she dug a hole and laid 3 eggs. I have had experience with other reptiles before, and egg incubation, so I placed the eggs in moistened vermiculite at a ration that has worked in the past for other species and set them at 87 degrees. The eggs never appeared fertile. I continue to get eggs about every 2 to 3 months throughout the year. I am a veterinarian so I radiograph her every 3 months or so whenever she has laid during that period. The eggs never appear to develop a vascular component that I can see. The past 2 clutches, I have observed her getting agitated and digging holes without laying eggs. After a few weeks of this activity, I have induced her with oxytocin. I never see the male trying with the bigger female. I think she is simply too big.

What do you think I am doing wrong? Do you think the male perhaps isn't actually getting in? Should i try incubating differently? Is it a matter just age and size and I shouldnt worry just yet? thanks!

I've never kept Star Torts, so I hope someone else checks in. I never had any trouble with my Mt.Tortoises, then after 18 yrs in a row in 2010 I had dud eggs from almost every pair. I was shocked and bumbed to the max about this but after talking to several Florida breeders that had the same thing happening we all talked about what might have happened. It seems that we did not have much of a seasonal change that year. Sence you have a Asian tortoises I though you might consider that this might be a reason for infertile eggs. In other words in Asia they have a dry (by Asian standards) Winter and a very hot and wet summer. As I looked back at the weather condishions that year it was very dry and stayed that way for most of the summer. Needless to say I installed the biggest rainmaker I could to be able to make it rain like hell when needed. It makes a heavy streem of water that shoots 25' in the air and a 35 'distance . I thought about big base speekers to make thunder. (lol kindof) You can also try Collett Adams at the Brownville Zoo. She knows all. Vic

I have bred Indians in the past and I had huge females(for Indians) and tiny 4.5 to 5 inch males. The males were so small they couldn't even grab on to the females while breeding. They "leaned/teetered" upon them so I was surprised when I got viable eggs. I would consider getting another male. Its amazing how acquiring one additional male can change the whole dynamics of a herd, small or large.

I live in S Florida and kept them outside almost year round.
Good luck!

Scott