A few weeks ago, one of my females (Timmy) laid two eggs... which promptly got trampled by the others. I was so sad, because I didn't expect her to lay again this season. However, she started pacing again, she ate about half of a cuttlefish bone, dug many holes around the tort table, and I even saw her drinking water out of the water dish several times... something she never did in the almost 5 years since I got her.
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| Timmy, drinking |
This morning I walked past the tort fort, and upon glancing at the basking tortoises, noticed an odd white rock in the enclosure. I did a double-take... was it an EGG?! It looked so HUGE! I had no idea such a large egg could come out of a tortoise!
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| ...I wonder if tortoises get stretch marks from huge eggs like this... |
I gently picked it up, marked it with the date, weighed it (26g!) and placed it in the incubator that has been ready for weeks now.
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| ...and so the wait begins. |
After taking care of the egg, I filled the soaking pan with some nice warm water. I'd imagine Timmy's back end was feeling pretty sore after pushing out such a large egg... so the soak had the purpose of soothing any aches, and of course, hydrating her. After her soak, Timmy ate a nice big meal, and fell asleep under the basking light.
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| I took this pic of Timmy a few days ago, outside. |
Good job, Timmy! I am so proud of you for being a tortoise-momma now! :)
I have to admit that I knew nothing whatever about tortoises before discovering your blog a month or so ago. It's so enjoyable to tag along with you on your tortoise 'adventures'. Here's hoping for a very healthy hatchling someday soon! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
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