I have a few questions about breeding Russian tortoises. I figure it won't hurt to ask before I get them
My first question is hibernation. Is it necessary to hibernate them in order to get them to breed?
If so, for how long, at what temps, and at what time of the year? Would just a cool down period work, or do they actually have to go into hibernation? if I do hibernate, I will probably just buy a Mini Fridge to do it in.
Second, I am getting a 1.2 group. The breeding enclosure will be very large, no smaller than 8 X 8 and will have a lot of sight barriers to help stop agression. I read that I should have at least two females to one male to keep the male from picking at a single female too much. How long should I allow the male to stay in with the females? Should I remove him when/if they start acting like they are gravid? What are some of the signs?
What type of substrate works best for them to lay in, and how deep should it be?
How many clutches will be laid from a single breeding? At what intervals? 2-3 eggs, right?
How long does it take the eggs to hatch? What temp should they be incubated at, what medium should they be incubated in, and what should the humidity be? I do have some experience with incubating eggs, but bird eggs, not reptile. The major difference I think will be orientation of the egg, and bird eggs need to be turned, while tort eggs should be stationary, correct?
I have a Little Giant still-air incubator. I think that it should work just fine.
At what age/size do Russians usually start showing interest in each other?
If I have missed anything, please feel free to offer up any more info.
Kristina
My first question is hibernation. Is it necessary to hibernate them in order to get them to breed?
If so, for how long, at what temps, and at what time of the year? Would just a cool down period work, or do they actually have to go into hibernation? if I do hibernate, I will probably just buy a Mini Fridge to do it in.
Second, I am getting a 1.2 group. The breeding enclosure will be very large, no smaller than 8 X 8 and will have a lot of sight barriers to help stop agression. I read that I should have at least two females to one male to keep the male from picking at a single female too much. How long should I allow the male to stay in with the females? Should I remove him when/if they start acting like they are gravid? What are some of the signs?
What type of substrate works best for them to lay in, and how deep should it be?
How many clutches will be laid from a single breeding? At what intervals? 2-3 eggs, right?
How long does it take the eggs to hatch? What temp should they be incubated at, what medium should they be incubated in, and what should the humidity be? I do have some experience with incubating eggs, but bird eggs, not reptile. The major difference I think will be orientation of the egg, and bird eggs need to be turned, while tort eggs should be stationary, correct?
I have a Little Giant still-air incubator. I think that it should work just fine.
At what age/size do Russians usually start showing interest in each other?
If I have missed anything, please feel free to offer up any more info.
Kristina