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Went out this A.M. to feed everyone.. checked my "July/Aug.-due-to-hatch" redfoot tortoise eggs...... WHAT??????

Thermostat set on 82 F.. all 3 thermometers read 81-83 F !!!

Terry

>>Went out this A.M. to feed everyone.. checked my "July/Aug.-due-to-hatch" redfoot tortoise eggs...... WHAT??????
>>
>>Thermostat set on 82 F.. all 3 thermometers read 81-83 F !!!
>>
>>Terry
>>
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

THEY NEVER DO...!!!!!

First it was infertility (probably males).. then almost 200 day hatchlings.. then a few "abnormalities".. now 111 day hatchlings! This one is from one of the "mature" females and the males are a year older. See any pattern here. Although they did start breeding 5/30/04.. first time ever; and laid eggs 7/30. We'll see how he looks.. once out!

Terry

>>THEY NEVER DO...!!!!!
>>
>>First it was infertility (probably males).. then almost 200 day hatchlings.. then a few "abnormalities".. now 111 day hatchlings! This one is from one of the "mature" females and the males are a year older. See any pattern here. Although they did start breeding 5/30/04.. first time ever; and laid eggs 7/30. We'll see how he looks.. once out!
>>
>>Terry
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

.. I think "no pattern" is the point Ed. The females all have 3-4 clutches out of the way and the males are now a year older.. new incubators and lower temperatures. In this group.. four females laid their eggs the same WEEK! There should be a consistent "pipping" going on soon.

Q.. ANYBODY.. WILL 82-84 F TEMPS YIELD MALES.. FEMALES OR MIX???

Thanks.. Terry

The crossover temperature seems to average 86 F. There are a couple new books out that adresses this issue extensively.

I don't think it is a cold hard fact that the crossover temperature can be a precise temperature.

As to patterns... I had one leopard that laid eggs that hatched in an average of 150 days and another that laid eggs that hatched in an average of 90 days. There does seem to be some consistancy but as I say in biology there are no givens.

>>.. I think "no pattern" is the point Ed. The females all have 3-4 clutches out of the way and the males are now a year older.. new incubators and lower temperatures. In this group.. four females laid their eggs the same WEEK! There should be a consistent "pipping" going on soon.
>>
>>Q.. ANYBODY.. WILL 82-84 F TEMPS YIELD MALES.. FEMALES OR MIX???
>>
>>Thanks.. Terry
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Of course ED.. it will be years before we really know what temp created which sex.. chances are 82-83 F makes males!?

I had another PIP today.. different female.. also 111 day "term".

Anxious to see how the NW "Colombians" "term".. laid same week. Although they have 3 or so clutches "out-of-the-way" their Feb. clutches are still just 2 months past their 6th birthday. A few of their babies were almost 200 day "term"

Carl (mayday) claims he's had less than 4 month "Cherrys" hatch also.

I wonder if "Arid" torts pip sooner than "Rainforest"???

Do we have any idea when "during term" the sex is detemined???

Thanks.. Terry

btw.. anxious to see how this one "colors-out"...

Right again ED.. perfect little guy.. actually HUGE compared to what the Colombian blood-line females have been producing.. in fact the other "Guyana/Suriname" female had a PIP today.. might be evn bigger.. a 2/23 egg.. I'm amazed. Should have a few "colombos" soon.. will post size difference.

No scute abnormalities here.. Terry