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Quick Question
Posted: 28/09/2016 by JennJenn

Hi! I have had my female Russian tortoise for about four years, but over the weekend she started doing something random. It is like she is building a nest. However, she has not been in contact with any males. Do they lay eggs if they are not fertilized??? I have not done anything different from the past. She has been digging for about four days. Thank you! ~Jenn, Oregon, USA

Re: Quick Question
Posted: 28/09/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net

Hello,

'Digging' is normal for horsfields.

What digging method is it using ? [e.g. all 4 legs ?]

Regards,
Tom

Re: Quick Question
Posted: 30/09/2016 by JennJenn

She has been digging mostly with her front legs, but I think she pushes the excess sand/coconut coir away with her back legs, hence the water dish getting filled up with sand/coir.  She usually stops digging and pretends to sleep when I come look at her or lightly rub her shell.  She usually eats every other day, and she has only nibbled at her kale this week.  :-/  She's not acting funny other than being distracted by her ever growing "hole" in the sand.

Re: Quick Question
Posted: 01/10/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net

It's probably boredom.

They can lay eggs without a male, but not at 4yrs.

Kale is a brassica & should not be fed. It should be eating every day. How are you keeping it & what is the temp. regime ?
 
I assume that you will hibe' it over winter.


Tom

 

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