Hi there. My long-term female ibera (over 20 yrs) used to lay eggs regularly when with male tort. Since he died, no eggs (last 5 yrs). Re-homed a supposed  mature male last year, although he doesn't have all features I expected: slighly concave shell but not too obvious, larger tail, but nothing like the length my deceased male, even though shell much larger (22.5 cm would be a very large male ). Both checked by vet ( he reckoned "male" not overtly so, told me about inter-sex torts),both found to be in good health. The past few days, my female is butting and mounting "male". "He" doing nothing to respond! Anyone found this or know something obvious I have missed? I have kept torts for 40 years, but never observed this behaviour or had inter-sex individuals. Someone please teach this old dog a new trick! Regards, David nr York.

Hi David,

You do see same sex domination behaviour whi h is a replication of coutship behaviour. This could well be the assertion of dominance.

Thanks for reply Dave. In many years of tortoise keeping this was a new event for me. Ironically, as if having a laugh at me, today the "Male?" has become sexually active and is assuming the normal male pestering and mounting the female (since around 10.15am). I hope he is fully fertile and that eggs will soon follow...anyone  got eggs from outdoor torts yet?   Regards, David nr York.

Any signs of success???