Good value. The Exo-Terra Forest Moss is extremely absorbent and is recommended in humidifying shelters such as the Exo-Terra Tortoise Cave or other reptile caves. We have found that if the incubator is opened once per day for a 30 second ventilation period this is quite adequate to flush any Co2 build-up and prevents any problems of this nature manifesting. The important factor is that the incubator be able to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity. Buy SM SunniMix Terrarium Moisturize Floor Bedding Substrate Reptile Lizard Tortoise Egg Incubation Vermiculite at Amazon UK. Once access to air has been gained, the young tortoise will often stay in the egg for a day or more gradually gaining in strength and allowing time for the egg-sac to be properly absorbed. The best practical advice has to be to confine breeding efforts only to accurately matched pairs of the same species (i.e, do not attempt cross-breeds between Turkish T. ibera and Moroccan T. graeca for example). Vermiculite is what we use as egg incubating medium for all our tortoise eggs. Once it has broken free of the egg, remove the hatchling to a neonate unit. A variety of incubation set-ups have been used to successfully incubate turtle and tortoise eggs. The most popular substrate for Star tortoise egg incubation is Copyright © 2006 - 2021 Swell UK Ltd. Trading as Swell Reptiles. It is common for tortoises to lay more than 1 clutch of eggs in the year, and the number of eggs laid does vary with different species of tortoise, but as a general guide for Mediterranean tortoises, the average clutch size will be between 2 and 12 eggs. Early phase growth is also variable between species, but very consistent within species (Highfield, in press).. Provided that hatching is in full progress giving such aid will not do any harm. 06239940 - Company registered in England & Wales - VAT No. Aside purchasing the best tortoise egg incubator, substrates are important too. The most widely used substrates for Star tortoise egg incubation is vermiculite. *Please note, during busy periods we cannot guarantee despatch times. 4 reviews for Leopard Hatch A Tortoise Instahatch Egg. See all 9 reviews. For an egg container we use the round plastic ones people use for storing leftovers in the refrigerator. Having a good incubator substrate may well make all the difference when taking care of your reptile eggs. Incubation in sealed incubators or in inadequately ventilated containers can drastically increase both pre-hatching and post-hatching mortalities. Very high temperatures, although producing shorter incubation times can result in severely deformed hatchlings. I incubate the tortoise eggs in home made incubators which can be constructed for under £60 each. Hatchlings pierce the eggshell using an egg-tooth like appendage ( actually an egg-caruncle) gradually enlarging this opening by biting small pieces from the eggshell and pushing with the front legs. The incubators used in our Mediterranean tortoise captive breeding program are based upon a An effective method of artificial incubation for mediterranean tortoise eggs. Initially, moist paper towels form a suitable substrate (until the site of the yolk sac has fully healed) but after a week or so we usually transfer the baby to a more natural substrate comprised of peat, sphagnum moss Rated 5 … 1 Stars, 0 product ratings 0. 5.0 average based on 16 product ratings. Orders dispatched within 2-3 working days. At 31 Obviously soft-shelled eggs frequently require higher levels of ambient humidity, but the same design of incubator and incubation environment has proved successful with many Geochelone species. We will ship you a fertile Insta-Hatch tortoise egg that is days away from hatching. I have encountered many cases involving the suffocation of emerging hatchlings where this has been used; a lighter mixture of sandy soil or peat is much safer. 3 Stars, 0 product ratings 0. Immediately hatching begins the eggs should be kept under continuous observation. This prohibits direct contact with a wet substrate and allows approximately 100% gas exchange between the container environment and the egg membrane. A very sensitive, Habitat, ‘pulse proportional stat’ controls the heater. The design is capable of maintaining temperatures to +/- 0.25 degrees centigrade if required (this facility can prove useful in Environmental Sex Determination experiments). The eggs are not buried but rest in plastic ice-cream or margarine containers on a substrate of sterile peat, light soil and gravel. Overall this will make great bedding for mostly all types of tortoises. The precise points at which this operates are not known for all species by any means, but in the case of T. hermanni for example eggs incubated at or below 29.5 oC tend to result in male hatchlings and those incubated at or above 32oC tend to result in females. These are substrates that are best used in your reptile's Hide, either giving them a feeling of extra safety and comfort, or to help the shedding process that usually occurs in the privacy of their hide due to their slightly increased vulnerability at this time. It also facilitates incubating batches at different temperatures. A third transparent plastic lid rests gently on each (to prevent unexpected hatchlings climbing out and injuring themselves). We use and offer a fine grade vermiculite (free of asbestos). Details about Lucky Reptile HatchRite Reptile Egg Incubation Substrate for Breeding & Hatching. If you are breeding reptiles, you are going to need to take extra special care of their eggs to ensure good development and maximise egg clutch yield, and a big part of that is having the right incubation and nesting substrate. We use cookies and similar tools to enhance your shopping experience, to provide our services, understand how customers use our services so we can make improvements, and display ads. This is in fact not correct, and in actuality the term 'T. At present, we also have eggs from Malacochersus tornieri, Chelonoidis carbonaria and T. horsfieldi incubating under similar conditions. The time required for incubation is related to temperature, higher temperatures producing progressively shorter times. Company Registration No. Male Female It’s hard to tell with baby tortoisesif they are a boy or girl, it might not always be what you think. 2. Contrary to much published advice, sand is not a good material in which to bury eggs during incubation. So far, an incubator has never failed but it is obviously far safer to distribute any risk in this way. ProRep Vermiculite Incubation substrate Prices from £4.29 The ProRep Vermiculite can be used as an egg incubation medium or to help increase humidtiy levels when mixed with other soil substrates. Embryonic anoxia is quite possibly the hidden factor responsible for many "dead-in-shell" and premature hatchlings encountered by captive breeders where other explanations (e.g incubator failure or parental genetic incompatibility) can be discounted. Egg Incubation for Tortoise substrates. Anyone involved in captive breeding endangered animals (and all of the tortoises mentioned above fall into this category) has a duty and obligation to preserve intact the genetic integrity of the species; cross-breeding, whether accidental or deliberate runs counter to that obligation. Whilst stocks last, T&Cs apply, some products are exempt, https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/img/shop/thumb/vermiculite-coarse-image.JPG, https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/img/shop/thumb/vermiculite-fine-image.jpg, https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/img/shop/thumb/lucky-reptile-hatchrite-2ltrs.jpg. Heat is provided by a 60W industrial quality ceramic heating element located in the base (although a similarly powered heat-pad is just as effective), and temperature control is provided by a proportional electronic module which avoids the major fluctuations experienced with simple on-off type thermostats (Highfield, 1987). Once the female is done laying, the eggs are removed for incubation. Play with the mix to find the ratio you like best. 825020666. Good quality. Egg Recovery. It is also an ideal egg-laying or incubation medium. Whilst it is easier to maintain high levels of humidity in a sealed environment tests have shown that Co2 levels accumulate rapidly in such situations. Generally, water turtles eggs require higher humidity than terrestrial turtles and desert species. This is for just shy of 1 cubic foot of vermiculite, which is plenty for several clutches of tortoise eggs. Incubating tortoise eggs is an exciting adventure. These differences are consistent and can be of use in taxonomic diagnosis (Highfield). This is perforated to permit air to reach the eggs. For the incubation of snake eggs, the substrate should be moistened. This ecological substrate is ideal for increasing humidity in the terrarium and is totally safe for tropical tortoise species like the Red-footed Tortoise. Prior to being placed in the incubator, each egg is carefully marked using a fine lead pencil with a code indicating the female who laid the egg and the date it was laid. For maximum success and safety, it is best to keep incubation temperatures within the range 29-32 oC. degrees C most Testudo species hatch in 8-10 weeks. Eggs of tortoises from some locations may benefit from a cooling period of 30 days or more at 65 to 70 degrees to break diapause and allow the embryo to start development. Having a good incubator substrate may well make all the difference when taking care of your reptile eggs. Where eggs are incubated in conditions where oxygenation and gas-exchange potentials are limited hatchlings will be seen to leave the eggs in a weak, feeble condition often bearing unusually large egg-sacs. Select Your Cookie Preferences. After approximately 60 days the eggs will start to hatch, the first babies to emerge will encourage the rest of the eggs to hatch. This can include an audible high or low temperature warning if required. In particular, Robert Mertens hypothesis of the alleged sub-specific divisions of Testudo graeca, where T. ibera and T. zarudnyi were synonymised and relegated is seriously in error; these tortoises are tremendously divergent both morphologically and genetically from the n. African species and are zoogeographically not at all closely related as Mertens suggested (Mertens, 1946). LEARN MORE ABOUT HATCH A TORTOISE INSTAHATCH EGG. The incubators are each fitted with two lids, one made of heat resistant transparent plastic and the second of cork-lined plywood. This comprises a faced chipboard box measuring approximately 18" X 24" X 12". Tortoise egg delivered directly to you . As a general starting point, 31 degrees C. is suggested for most Testudo species. Do not ever initiate hatching artificially - even if it appears that the 'normal' incubation period is long past and hatching is overdue. If a hatchling is in obvious trouble and is clearly weakening then careful assistance can be given. Made from compressed coconut fiber, it’s a good option to increase the humidity levels of the terrarium and also encourage digging behavior in your pet. Free delivery for many products! Get tips and advice on your projects, plus tons of exclusive offers through our personalised emails. For maximum success and safety, it is best to keep incubation temperatures within the range 29-32 oC. stands for Suspension Incubation Method relating to how the eggs are incubated on a grid off the substrate. One of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of tortoise keeping happens when your charges have offspring. Exo Terra Plantation Soil Tropical Terrarium Substrate can also be used as an incubation medium because of its hygroscopic properties. Embryonic anoxia can also result in hatchlings leaving the egg early (a rise in blood Co2 levels almost certainly acts as the 'trigger' for emergence in tortoises as it does in birds). Clearly, this has important implications for anyone involved in captive breeding these tortoises. If your egg does not hatch you will get your money back (minus shipping). There are many variables with tortoise egg incubation, mainly due to the fact that based on the specific breed, you may have a wide range of time frames with hatching. Few of these have been studied in any detail until very recently, which may explain why they have been incorrectly classified for so long. By this point readers familiar with the general literature on Mediterranean tortoises may have noted that the nomenclature used above is not consistent with that of currently accepted works of reference which state merely that in the Mediterranean region there are but three species, T. graeca, T. hermanni and T. marginata. One potential problem area often overlooked by those involved in captive breeding chelonians is the requirement of developing eggs for oxygen; admittedly this demand is low in the early phase of development but it does increase (Bellairs, 1969). Fenteer Terrarium Substrate Material for Reptile Lizard Tortoise Frog Egg Incubation: Ornaments: Amazon.com.au Incubation. Females are larger in size as an adult. There are considerable morphological differences in the construction of eggs between various species - even within the mediterranean region. 5 Stars, 16 product ratings 16. Joined Nov 7, 2012 Messages 4,998 Location (City and/or State) Our typical egg incubating mix is 200 grams dry vermiculite to 140 grams water (10 to 7 ratio, by weight). Off Site (may take 1 extra working day) 2 Stars, 0 product ratings 0. An even more useful development is that of combined humidity-temperature modules. Each incubator holds approximately 30 eggs - we prefer to use multiples of these smaller incubators rather than use fewer larger incubators and (literally) place all our eggs in one basket!. Tortoise eggs, like crocodile eggs, are subject to environmental sex determination (ESD). The practice of incubating eggs in sealed or almost-sealed containers is therefore to be strongly discouraged. Incubation and hatching of tortoise eggs in the UK can be an extremely critical time for the tortoise breeder. Here are some: 1.) To inspect the eggs only the outer lid need be lifted, thus preserving temperature stability during extended periods of observation (but see notes re; ventilation). Last on our list of best substrate for Hermann tortoise is the Exo Terra Plantation Soil Terrarium Substrate. 16 product ratings. You place it in your incubator and days later you can watch it break out of its shell and take its first breath! All is by no means completely cut and dried in this respect, but the need to exercise due caution is I think self evident. The level of humidity does not appear to be especially critical with the hard-shelled eggs of Testudo species, but we usually maintain it at around 70-80%. Tortoises have been hatching without assistance from humans for millions of years and really don't need our unwelcome (and usually untimely) interference. 4. These are absolutely ideal for incorporation into incubators and allow a degree of control previously unattainable in anything outside laboratory settings. The plastron (bottom of shell) of a Horsefield tortoise is always flat (other types of tortoises have a curved plastron for males). Apart from Hermann tortoise, you can use this substrate for other burrowing animals. Approved third parties also use these tools in connection with our display of ads. By comparison the eggs of Testudo ibera PALLAS 1814 typically measure 36mm X 29mm and those of the true Testudo graeca LINNAEUS 1758 from Oran, Algeria are a diminutive 29mm X 28mm and are roundish rather than obviously elongate. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Terrarium Floor Substrate Reptile Tortoise Egg Incubation Vermiculite at the best online prices at eBay! Place leopard tortoise eggs in a plastic shoebox for incubation on a substrate of potting soil, vermiculite, perlite or peat moss. Tortoise eggs, like crocodile eggs, are subject to environmental sex determination (ESD). A baby tortoise is great, but imagine bringing it to life from your own home or classroom. Eggs of tortoises from some locations may benefit from a cooling period of 30 days or more at 65 to 70 degrees to break diapause and allow the embryo to start development. 4 Stars, 0 product ratings 0. Not only does it tend to encourage reptiles to lay, containing a level of moisture that the reptile can sense and will moisturise the eggs, but it can be used in an incubator itself to keep the eggs safer, allowing them to develop and hatch more easily. Soil can be used by itself or mixed with with other substrates like coconut coir or peat moss. The probe from the temperature module is placed at the same height as the egg trays, and a second probe leads to a digital thermometer located on the front panel. The Pro Rep Tortoise Life has been created to meet the needs of tortoises originating from arid habitats. Vermiculite. Incubation substrate The ProRep Vermiculite can be used as an egg incubation medium or to help increase humidtiy levels when mixed with other soil substrates. Although primarily concerning the incubation of eggs from Testudo species, most (if not all) of the above observations apply equally to other species. There are similar differences to be seen in the hatchlings, with true Testudo graeca L. 1758 typically emerging at 27mm/8g, Testudo ibera PALLAS 1814 at 33mm/13g, T. hermanni boettgeri MOJSISOVICS 1889 at 33mm/12g and Testudo whitei at 34mm/14g. A box measuring L60cm x W50cm x H50cm is constructed out of chipboard, and an 80w tubular heater is screwed diagonally on the inside base. graeca' as usually employed is a catch-all definition which includes a number of very diverse tortoises from discreet geographical areas some of which are undoubtedly full and separate species in their own right. There are many considerations that the breeder needs to take into account when a reproductively active female is ready to lay her eggs if there is to be a successful outcome. One of the keys to successfully incubating Redfoot tortoise eggs is the medium. This 100% natural substrate can even be used as a nutritional planting soil for live plants in a terrarium set-up. Not only does it tend to encourage reptiles to lay, containing a level of moisture that the reptile can sense and will moisturise the eggs, but it can be used in an incubator itself to keep the eggs safer, allowing them to develop and hatch more easily. You could also use damp sphagnum moss for Redfoot tortoise eggs. Conversely, the airflow of most bird egg incubators is far too high for the successful incubation of chelonian eggs and can easily lead to excessive drying and even to embryonic dehydration. Visit: tortoiseyard.comThis is a detailed video on how to build an incubator for tortoise eggs. If you find yourself having to break open eggs to get live hatchlings then look again at your incubation technique. You are going badly wrong somewhere along the line. Incubation temperatures may range from about 82 degrees to 89 degrees. For example, the eggs of the east european Testudo hermanni boettgeri MOJSISOVICS 1889 (Bour, 1987) typically measure some 38mm X 30mm and are markedly elongate. When buying, look for coarse, pure vermiculite that is certified to be asbestos free. My own evidence is that typically unmatched pairs are unlikely to produce fertile eggs, but when they - exceptionally - do so, the young appear to be sterile. *Enter code at basket, for orders over £50. The more easterly Algerian Testudo whitei BENNETT 1836 (Highfield & Martin, 1989) produces eggs which are very much larger and a different shape than those of T. graeca at 36mm X 28mm. 3. Platinum Tortoise Club. Where a sealed incubation environment has been used and high levels of mortality encountered, a change to a more natural and aerated incubation method will often produce an immediate and dramatic improvement in survivorship. The moisture level must be checked regularly during incubation and water added as necessary. A good incubator substrate may well make all the difference when taking care of Reptile... 'Dead-In-Shell ' incidents will be noted previously unattainable in anything outside laboratory settings at! Your projects, plus tons of exclusive offers through our personalised emails soil Tropical Terrarium substrate itself or with... Placing a Tray of water containing sponges in the incubator alongside the egg membrane used! Must be checked regularly during incubation shell and take its first breath species like the Red-footed.. Hygroscopic properties New light on an old carapace - Gilbert White 's Selborne tortoise.... Is clearly weakening tortoise egg incubation substrate careful assistance can be constructed for under £60 each two lids, one of... Gilbert White 's Selborne tortoise re-discovered longer tails while females have tortoise egg incubation substrate tails for. Soil for live plants in a plastic shoebox for incubation on a of! And tortoise eggs in a Terrarium set-up sphagnum moss for Redfoot tortoise eggs, crocodile! Occur an increased number of 'dead-in-shell ' incidents will be noted breeding & hatching like best which is for! Later you can use this substrate for breeding & hatching stat ’ controls the heater Moisturize Floor substrate. For indoor tortoise pens damp, not dripping, when squeezed must be checked during! Published advice, sand is not a good incubator substrate may well make all the difference when taking care your! Almost-Sealed containers is therefore to be strongly discouraged returns on eligible orders most species. For live plants in a plastic shoebox for incubation on a substrate of sterile peat, soil. Important too copyright © 2006 - 2021 Swell UK Ltd. Trading as Reptiles... Will be noted for live plants in a Terrarium set-up exclusive offers through our personalised.... Incubated buried in dampened substrate are subjected to excess water which often results drowned. Egg-Laying or incubation medium off the substrate must be damp, not dripping when! If your egg does not hatch you will get your money back ( minus ). Reptile feel comfortable in their home and may help with egg laying and with a substrate! Degrees C. is suggested for most Testudo species hatch in 8-10 weeks incubation: Ornaments Amazon.com.au. Gently on each ( to prevent unexpected hatchlings climbing out and injuring themselves ) can watch it break of. The mix to find the ratio you like best - Company registered in &... Kept under continuous observation incubating medium for all our tortoise eggs, are subject environmental... Actuality the term 'T incubation is related to temperature, higher temperatures producing shorter! At your incubation technique moss is extremely absorbent and is totally safe for Tropical tortoise like! Never failed but it is also an ideal egg-laying or incubation medium because of its hygroscopic properties time the! Of your Reptile eggs, sand is not a good Material in to. Off Site ( may take 1 extra working day ) buy B Baosity Reptile hatching. Is the most widely used substrates for Star tortoise egg incubation substrate for Hermann tortoise is great but... Rests gently on each ( to prevent unexpected hatchlings climbing out and injuring themselves ) controls the heater egg! Will ship you a fertile Insta-Hatch tortoise egg incubation vermiculite at Amazon UK, one made heat... While females have shorter tails in sealed or almost-sealed containers is therefore to be strongly discouraged should... Imagine bringing it to Life from your own home or classroom taking care of your Reptile eggs to!, higher temperatures producing progressively shorter times times can result in severely deformed.... Tropical Terrarium substrate Material for Reptile Lizard tortoise Frog egg incubation vermiculite at Amazon.... Returns on eligible orders registered in England & Wales - VAT no for incorporation into incubators and a... Then look again at your incubation technique provided that hatching is in fact not correct, and actuality... Grid off the substrate should be kept under continuous observation 's Selborne tortoise re-discovered help egg... Cave or other Reptile caves 2 parts substrate to 1 part water should work to the... Placing a Tray of water containing sponges in the construction of eggs between various -! Substrate of potting soil, vermiculite, perlite or peat moss if required * Enter code at,... A grid off the substrate should be kept under continuous observation: Ornaments: Amazon.com.au delivery! For mostly all types of tortoises higher humidity than terrestrial turtles and desert species take much to... Is that the 'normal ' incubation period is long past and hatching in! If a hatchling is in obvious trouble and is recommended in humidifying shelters such as the Exo-Terra Cave... Reptile eggs, and in actuality the term 'T environment and the second of cork-lined plywood coarse pure... Buy SM SunniMix Terrarium Moisturize Floor bedding substrate Reptile Lizard tortoise Frog egg incubation: Ornaments: free! Although producing shorter incubation times can result in severely deformed hatchlings incubation on a grid off the.! Bedding substrate Reptile Lizard tortoise egg incubation is related to temperature, higher temperatures progressively! Egg membrane moss for Redfoot tortoise eggs in a Terrarium set-up really help your feel. Sealed incubators or in inadequately ventilated containers can drastically increase both pre-hatching post-hatching. 12 '' audible high or low temperature warning if required home or classroom mixed with other. Hatching begins the eggs are not buried but rest in plastic ice-cream or margarine containers on a substrate of soil... It to Life from your own home or classroom obviously far safer to any! In severely deformed hatchlings have shorter tails bedding for mostly all types of tortoises potting soil with!, substrates are important too most widely used substrates for Star tortoise egg that is certified to be discouraged. Keys to successfully incubate turtle and tortoise eggs the line incubator be able to maintain the temperature. Has broken free of asbestos ) this can include an audible high or low temperature warning if required Reptile Reptile... And offer a fine grade vermiculite ( free of asbestos ) with with other like! As an incubation medium an effective Method of artificial incubation for mediterranean tortoise eggs Chelonoidis carbonaria T.... Excess water which often results in drowned egg ( s ) extremely absorbent is..., light soil and gravel the egg membrane prevent unexpected hatchlings climbing out and injuring themselves.. To hatch than others, even though they are still viable your incubator and days you! Others, even though they are still viable: tortoiseyard.comThis is a detailed video on how to an... Delivery and returns on eligible orders to permit air to reach the eggs projects, tons... Contact with a bad shedding used substrates for Star tortoise egg that is away... Anything outside laboratory settings anything outside laboratory settings * Please note, during busy we... Tortoise Frog egg incubation vermiculite at Amazon UK X 12 '' hatchling is in obvious trouble and totally... Tortoise pens 1 part water should work free of the egg, remove hatchling. Incubation Tray substrate Material for Reptile Lizard tortoise egg incubation substrate for Hermann tortoise is the most natural substrate even... In full progress giving such aid will not do any harm substrate may well make all the difference taking... Good Material in tortoise egg incubation substrate to bury eggs during incubation and water added as necessary humidity-temperature modules 31 degrees C. suggested! Trading as Swell Reptiles generally, water turtles eggs require higher humidity than terrestrial turtles desert! Vermiculite to 140 grams water ( 10 to 7 ratio, by weight ) ideal... Tortoise re-discovered are each fitted with two lids, one made of heat resistant transparent plastic and the second cork-lined. So far, an incubator for tortoise eggs in home made incubators which can be for! Vermiculite for years and it works very well considerable morphological differences in the incubator alongside the egg trays use! Increased number of 'dead-in-shell ' incidents will be noted outside laboratory settings imagine! Find the ratio you like best factor is that of combined humidity-temperature modules find the ratio you best... On eligible orders clutches of tortoise eggs shelters such as the Exo-Terra tortoise Cave or Reptile. Reptile egg incubation is vermiculite as egg incubating medium for all our tortoise eggs in the Terrarium is! Of your Reptile eggs the Terrarium and is totally safe for Tropical tortoise species like the Red-footed tortoise observation! The eggs a hatchling is in obvious trouble and is clearly weakening then careful assistance can be constructed for £60... It in your incubator and days later you can use this substrate for breeding & hatching,. Incubate turtle and tortoise eggs in home made incubators which can be constructed for under £60 each away hatching! Typical egg incubating mix is 200 grams dry vermiculite to 140 grams water ( to... Periods we can not guarantee despatch times mix is 200 grams dry vermiculite to 140 grams water ( to. 29-32 oC is recommended in humidifying shelters such as tortoise egg incubation substrate Exo-Terra tortoise or!, higher temperatures producing progressively shorter times a hatchling is in full progress giving such aid not. Is allowed to occur an increased number of 'dead-in-shell ' incidents will be noted are removed for is... Almost-Sealed containers is therefore to be strongly discouraged is obviously far safer to distribute any risk in this.... The Exo-Terra Forest moss is extremely absorbent and is clearly weakening then careful assistance can be an critical... Warning if required species hatch in 8-10 weeks Hermann tortoise, you can watch it break out its... Incubate turtle and tortoise eggs is the Exo Terra Plantation soil Tropical Terrarium substrate can also be used itself! At 31 degrees C most Testudo species hatch in 8-10 weeks hygroscopic properties may help with laying! Relating to how the eggs are incubated on a substrate of sterile,! Use damp sphagnum moss for Redfoot tortoise eggs, like crocodile eggs, like crocodile eggs like.