Breeding Indian Star Tortoises
by dennistort.com
We are once again breeding Indian Star tortoises! They were our first tortoises back in 1999 and we were able to produce only one hatchling in 2006. But now, we've also made it our goal to breed this beautiful species again
The Indian Star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a beautiful tortoise native to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They were named for their star like patterns on their shells which varies by their three geographical variants or morphs: southern India, Sri Lanka, and northern India and Pakistan. This star pattern is an effective means of camouflage in their environment.
Other species of tortoises that exhibit a star-like, radiating pattern are Burmese Star (Geochelone platynota), Radiated (Astrochelys radiata), Spider (Pyxis arachnoides), Flat-backed Spider (Pyxis planicauda), Pancake (Malacochersus tornieri), Geometric (Psammobates geometricus) and Tent tortoises (Psammobates tentorius).
All Three Eggs Eventually Hatched Within 1 Week!
Date: Feb 15, 2017
From Chalking to Hatching
This batch is a perfect example of tortoise egg development because it showed all the signs of a fertile egg; from chalking, to seeing veins when candling, and eventually hatching. As expected, all three eggs that chalked are fertile and the one that did not eventually went bad and started to smell after around 3 months.
This third one is even more special because 1 month prior to hatching, I noticed that the egg had already cracked and leaked. I had to seal it up but I wasn't sure if it would survive. I am so thankful that it did!
Three little Indian Star tortoise hatchlings
Three little Indian Star tortoise hatchlings
I got the 2 from the nursery and put them inside the incubator for a few pictures
I got the 2 from the nursery and put them inside the incubator for a few pictures
The first hatchling is curious about the third
The first hatchling is curious about the third
Urging the third one to come out already! :p
Urging the third one to come out already! :p
Second One Is Out!
Date: Feb 8, 2017
Only One Day Apart
Unlike our two Radiated hatchlings that hatched nearly 3 weeks apart, these 2 Indian stars hatched almost in sync. There is a 3rd fertile egg that I'm hoping would hatch too. Unfortunately, I noticed it leaking 3 weeks ago so it doesn't look very good.
It is always exciting to discover new hatchlings inside the incubator!
It is always exciting to discover new hatchlings inside the incubator!
Hatch Day for Our Star Tortoise Baby!
Date: Feb 7, 2017
After 145 Days
Laid on September 16 of last year, the first egg took a total of 4 months and 23 days to hatch. It may sound like a long wait for some. But it is always exciting for me to watch tortoise eggs hatch! Definitely worth the wait!
Indian Star tortoise egg has started pipping, which is when they get their nose out of the egg shell. They use their "egg tooth" just right below their nose to pierce through the egg.
Tortoise Egg Development
Date: Dec 28, 2016
The clutch of eggs that were laid on November of 2015 were not fertile. We had to add another male Star tortoise to the group just to be sure we get fertile eggs this time around. Fortunately, the next clutch several months after that looks good!
Chalking and Veins
To know if the tortoise eggs are fertile, you can check for the 2 most obvious signs 1) chalking and 2) formation of veins.
Here you can see the eggs are chalking, which are the white spots on top part of the eggs. The egg at the upper right of the photo is not chalking and this usually means the egg is not fertile.
Here you can see the eggs are chalking, which are the white spots on top part of the eggs. The egg at the upper right of the photo is not chalking and this usually means the egg is not fertile.
Veins can be seen when doing the process called candling. It's basically just putting a small flashlight or LED penlight on the surface of the egg in a dark room. By doing so, you'll be able to see veins forming inside the egg if the eggs are fertile.
Veins can be seen when doing the process called candling. It's basically just putting a small flashlight or LED penlight on the surface of the egg in a dark room. By doing so, you'll be able to see veins forming inside the egg if the eggs are fertile.
Retrieving Star Tortoise Eggs
Date: Nov 17, 2015
Digging out the eggs
 Eggs IMG_4033_ed.jpg)
We made sure that she was completely finished with the process of digging, laying and covering her eggs because we didn't want to disturb her
We made sure that she was completely finished with the process of digging, laying and covering her eggs because we didn't want to disturb her
 Retrieving IMG_4008_ed.jpg)
Trying not to break any of the eggs
Trying not to break any of the eggs
 Retrieving IMG_4020_ed.jpg)
I got the first one out
I got the first one out
Female Star Tortoise Finally Laid Eggs!
Date: Nov 15, 2015
Finally!
After waiting for more than 4 weeks after her X-Ray, she finally got 3 eggs out of her system. I'm sure she is as relieved as I am.
 Laying IMG_3936_ed.jpg)
 Laying IMG_3949_ed.jpg)
From here one can clearly see 1 egg and a hint of a second egg on the left side of the hole
From here one can clearly see 1 egg and a hint of a second egg on the left side of the hole
 Digging IMG_3915_ed.jpg)
Digging deeper and deeper. In this photo, she hasn't laid any eggs yet.
Digging deeper and deeper. In this photo, she hasn't laid any eggs yet.
 Diging IMG_3979_ed.jpg)
She looks very focused and determined
She looks very focused and determined
 Covering IMG_3981_ed.jpg)
In this photo, she's completed the laying process. She is now covering up the nest.
In this photo, she's completed the laying process. She is now covering up the nest.
Notice her hind legs trying to move some of the eggs to make way for the next egg
Star Tortoise Weight: Before and After Laying Eggs
Date: Nov 15, 2015
I always make sure I weight all our tortoises regularly. I'm glad I was able to take note of our Star female's weight before and after she laid eggs.
 Weight Difference 20151102_091715.jpg)
1460 grams after laying 3 eggs
1460 grams after laying 3 eggs
 Weight Difference 20150928_095309.jpg)
1546 grams before laying 3 eggs
1546 grams before laying 3 eggs
Photos of the Star Tortoise Breeding Group
Date: Nov 14, 2015
These are the tortoises that make up the breeding team
I just love this group! Very beautiful.
 Breeding Group 20151005_085102.jpg)
 Breeding Group 20151005_085143.jpg)
 Breeding Group 20151031_092610.jpg)
 Mating 20151025_171150.jpg)
X-Ray of Female Star Tortoise with Eggs
Date: Oct 21, 2015
I was worried about our female Star tortoise because she was digging for several weeks but never really laid any eggs. So I went to the clinic to get her an X-Ray to be sure she is not egg bound, a condition which can be fatal to tortoises.
3 eggs can be seen in the X-Ray. The thickness of the eggs look normal and not over-calcified. There doesn't seem to be any blockage either. So the only thing to do now is to wait for nature to take its course. I just have to make sure she is given a suitable nesting spot, fed well, and given sufficient calcium supplements.
 XRay Big MACASPAC_star_Small Animal _ Reptile-Thorax VD-10_6_2015-5_39_41 PM-413.jpg)
X-Ray taken on October 4, 2015 in Vets in Practice, Madaluyong
X-Ray taken on October 4, 2015 in Vets in Practice, Madaluyong
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About Us
Soda's Tortoise Garden is a private tortoise breeding facility that is accredited by DENR and BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) located in Metro Manila, Philippines. We don't have a physical shop but you may coordinate with us via our Facebook page. Be sure to follow our page for our latest posts and stories. Learn More
Our first TV appearance at "Rise & Shine Pilipinas" by PTV 4.