Suprise Hatchlings!

[theguy67]

I don't post much here, but I figured I might as well share this weekend's events.

The other day I found 2 hatchling redfoots in the section of the shed that the adults have access to, from the outside. This was odd, since I didn't own any hatchlings. At first, I had assumed that they were box turtles who happened to wander into the enclosure through a hole or by other means. Upon closer inspection they were obviously redfoots. After my excitement subsided, I put together a quick enclosure for them. Just a basic 20 gallon long, with soil covered in mulch, and a water dish. Temps are 80 on the cool side, and low 90s under the basking light. I'm not sure what the humidity is, since I lost the batteries to my hygrometer ( I only use them in the winter for the adults, when they are inside), but its quite foggy. I "sealed" the top with plastic and foil, and it holds the moisture in well. The top of the substrate (mulch) is dry, which I've read is preferred to prevent infections. If the humidity isn't high enough, I may invest in a fogger, and put it on a timer.

 

[Anyfoot]

I don't post much here, but I figured I might as well share this weekend's events.

The other day I found 2 hatchling redfoots in the section of the shed that the adults have access to, from the outside. This was odd, since I didn't own any hatchlings. At first, I had assumed that they were box turtles who happened to wander into the enclosure through a hole or by other means. Upon closer inspection they were obviously redfoots. After my excitement subsided, I put together a quick enclosure for them. Just a basic 20 gallon long, with soil covered in mulch, and a water dish. Temps are 80 on the cool side, and low 90s under the basking light. I'm not sure what the humidity is, since I lost the batteries to my hygrometer ( I only use them in the winter for the adults, when they are inside), but its quite foggy. I "sealed" the top with plastic and foil, and it holds the moisture in well. The top of the substrate (mulch) is dry, which I've read is preferred to prevent infections. If the humidity isn't high enough, I may invest in a fogger, and put it on a timer.
View attachment 156327

That is cool and a nice find. Can we see a clearer photo if your babies please. Also any chance of a photo of your adults Please?

 

[theguy67]

That is cool and a nice find. Can we see a clearer photo if your babies please. Also any chance of a photo of your adults Please?

I am not with them currently, but can provide some better pics later.

Here is the adults' enclosure. There are photos of 3 of the 5 adults in there. The two not pictured are smaller, purchased from somewhere I will not buy from again. http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/redfoot-enclosure-update.126407/page-2

 

[wellington]

Congrats. Nice surprise for. Keep an eye open for more.

 

[N2TORTS]

Very Nice ..... Always awesome to find a "sweet" surprise~

 

[allegraf]

Always fun to find those feral babies.

 

[Jodie]

That's very neat. Congrats!

 

[TerrapinStation]

Congratulations!!! is it too late to pass out cigars?????

 

[theguy67]

Congratulations!!! is it too late to pass out cigars?????

lol maybe not!

I still have an egg I found just laying around last summer. I've been incubating it for 3 months now, and I can't tell if its fertile, however, I checked today and it has definitely gotten darker on the inside, just can't see veins. I may need to use a stronger flashlight. Who knows, maybe I'll be adding another to the nursery tank soon.

 

[theguy67]

More Pics

I find it interesting that they have taken a liking to soaking themselves. 2 of my adult females never liked it. Now that they have a pond, they are growing more tolerant of water, but I wonder if its from not having a pool early on in life?

 

[theguy67]

Update!

Another hatchling was found this morning. Waiting to see if there are more, and trying to find the nest.

Is this common when keeping tortoises outside? I haven't been able to find other reports.

 

[tctpa523]

It is fairly common. Sometimes you will get really unique looking yard babies as well, because they are incubated by mother nature rather than at a set temp in your incubator. I found 3 so far this year. The first one, I only found because my box turtle had eaten one of his siblings. So I dug around in that area, and found one more still alive under the dirt. Then about a week later I found a second nest with two hatchlings, and two eggs that were no good. Attached are pictures of the 3 of them.

 

[theguy67]

It is fairly common. Sometimes you will get really unique looking yard babies as well, because they are incubated by mother nature rather than at a set temp in your incubator. I found 3 so far this year. The first one, I only found because my box turtle had eaten one of his siblings. So I dug around in that area, and found one more still alive under the dirt. Then about a week later I found a second nest with two hatchlings, and two eggs that were no good. Attached are pictures of the 3 of them.View attachment 161519View attachment 161520View attachment 161521

Interesting. The one I found yesterday is very yellow (shell/scales) compared to the others, but I'm sure its probably the same female, as the other just started laying this year (bunch of duds/ditching the eggs without laying). Can temp. play a factor in coloring?

I've searched for both nests, but have yet to find any evidence.