First Time Ever

[HermanniChris]

For the first time here in the USA, a Testudo hermanni hermanni from the island of Majorca, Spain has successfully hatched out of its egg. She was born today at about 1pm and I am extremely excited. Both Italian and French hermanni have been produced here regularly but this is just amazing. The adult group was imported back in December and after only having them here since then, they have reproduced. I am unsure of who her mother and father are because I did not see the female nest, but here are some shots of the baby and some of the adults.

 

[Stephanie Logan]

Wow, you must be so proud! What a beautiful baby.

How do parent tortoises treat baby tortoises if they come into contact, I wonder? Do they even notice them? Are they hostile?

 

[Tortuga_terrestre]

WOW, they are beautiful. How many subspecies are there? Is there a pure subspecies or all they mixed?

 

[Isa]

Congratulations to the parents and to you The little baby is adorable!

 

[Tom]

Good stuff Maynard!

 

[Scooter]

Congratulations! They are beautiful tortoises!

 

[Tim/Robin]

Congrats Chris, very impressive and well done. You really have a way with them. How exciting!!

 

[spikethebest]

congrats!!

 

[PATMAN]

Beautiful hatchling and adults Chris. Congrats!
I have some family in Majorca, Spain.

 

[ChiKat]

Congratulations!! And the adults are STUNNING!!

 

[Candy]

Congratulations on your new little one Chris. That is really something to be proud of. Can't wait to see more pictures of her.

 

[Weloveourtortoise]

congrats !!!! they are are all beautiful!

 

[HermanniChris]

Thank you everyone, It's a big accomplishment for myself.

As for babies interacting with adults, there is generally no interest. However, some hatchlings will follow the adults around, I do not know why, but I've read about it and even witnessed it myself here.

As for subspecies, it goes like this: Eastern Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni boettgeri)-most commonly seen and offered for sale of the Hermann's tortoises, Dalmatian tortoise (Testudo hermanni hercegovinensis)-again fairly common and offered for sale, smaller than the eastern but usually bigger than the western. Western Hermann's tortoise (Testudo herrmanni hermanni)-typically smallest, and more colorful with very defining features. Also the rarest of Hermann's tortoises and not commonly seen in collections.

 

[bettinge]

Nice Job Chris!

 

[Tropical Torts]

I am sure you are proud of them! She is such a beautiful hatchling!! thanks for sharing

 

[terryo]

You must have been so excited! I love looking at your site.