Our Indian Star Tortoise Breeders
by sodatort.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
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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
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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.
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 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
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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.
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She looks very focused and determined
She looks very focused and determined
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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.
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1460 grams after laying 3 eggs
1460 grams after laying 3 eggs
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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.
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 Breeding Group 20151005_085143.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.
X-Ray taken on October 4, 2015 in Vets in Practice, Madaluyong
 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
Our First Captive-Bred Tortoise
Date: Feb 14, 2010
On December 8, 2005, my female Indian Star tortoise laid 3 eggs. Though there were 2 male stars in the group, I didn't have high hopes that the eggs are fertile since this is their first clutch. But on April 19, 2006, as soon as I woke up, I took a peek at the egg container like any other day. I couldn't believe what I saw! One of the eggs was partly cracked and a tortoise head was peeking out! I quickly grabbed my video camera and a fresh mini-DV and took photos and videos all morning. I didn't care that I showed up late for work that day. I've been waiting for this moment since 1999!
This is Cracker, our first captive-bred Star tortoise still in his partially cracked egg. In the middle photo, you can see his yolk sac. The right most photo is with his mother where you can see the size difference. Adult female Stars aren't very big and lay an average of 3 eggs per clutch, and 1-2 clutches per year.
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Photos of Cracker with his mother, Bashful
Date: Feb 12, 2010
Bashful and Cracker are both very special. Bashful is our first tortoise, and Cracker is Bashful's first hatchling.
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April 2006 - The hatchling started to eat as soon as the yolk sac was fully absorbed after around 3-5 days
April 2006 - The hatchling started to eat as soon as the yolk sac was fully absorbed after around 3-5 days
October 2006 - Only a few months old, the size difference between Cracker and Bashful is still huge.
October 2006 - Only a few months old, the size difference between Cracker and Bashful is still huge.
February 2010 - Cracker, who turned out to be a male Star tortoise has now reached his adult size of around 5 inches. Notice his long tail at the right. Bashful has a shorter tail and is bigger at around 8.5 inches.
February 2010 - Cracker, who turned out to be a male Star tortoise has now reached his adult size of around 5 inches. Notice his long tail at the right. Bashful has a shorter tail and is bigger at around 8.5 inches.
Growth of a Star Tortoise Hatchling
Date: Nov 15, 2009
Cracker compared to my hand in a span of several months and years
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April 30, 2006. Its shell is still deformed right after hatching.
April 30, 2006. Its shell is still deformed right after hatching.
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May 12, 2006. After a few weeks, its shell had straightened out.
May 12, 2006. After a few weeks, its shell had straightened out.
 IMG_0342 (Aug06).jpg)
August 2006
August 2006
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September 2006. Male Star tortoises, like Cracker only reach an adult size of 5-6 inches, whereas females can grow up to 10-12 inches. His growth is very slow compared to our Sulcatas and Radiatas.
September 2006. Male Star tortoises, like Cracker only reach an adult size of 5-6 inches, whereas females can grow up to 10-12 inches. His growth is very slow compared to our Sulcatas and Radiatas.
August 2007
August 2007
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June 2008
June 2008
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Nearly at his adult size at around 5 inches on November 2009, more than 3 years later.
Nearly at his adult size at around 5 inches on November 2009, more than 3 years later.
Old Photos of Our Adult Star Tortoises
Date: May 4, 2009
On December 28, 1999, I got my very first tortoise which I named Bashful! Our Star tortoises took a long time to grow unlike our Sulcatas and Radiatas. It takes about 5 years for them to reach adult size, which is an average of around 5 inches for males, and 9 inches for females.
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Bashful, my first ever tortoise purchased on December 28, 1999
Bashful, my first ever tortoise purchased on December 28, 1999
Geochelone elegans eventually outgrowing my hand after 5 years
Geochelone elegans eventually outgrowing my hand after 5 years
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Bashful compared to a one peso coin.
Bashful compared to a one peso coin.
This is Happy, our other adult female Star tortoise. She could easily fit inside this basket when we got her. After a few years, only her head can fit inside! It is difficult to notice their growth when you see them everyday but these photos say it all!
This is Happy, our other adult female Star tortoise. She could easily fit inside this basket when we got her. After a few years, only her head can fit inside! It is difficult to notice their growth when you see them everyday but these photos say it all!
Happy (left) and Bashful (right) in a photo studio set-up, 2004
Happy (left) and Bashful (right) in a photo studio set-up, 2004
Happy dragging along a plastic chair with him! November, 2007.
Happy dragging along a plastic chair with him! November, 2007.
Scanned Pictures from 1999 to 2000
Date: May 4, 2009
Digital cameras were not yet popular back then so I took photos using analogue cameras and had them developed. Here are scanned pictures of our first few tortoises from 1999 to 2000. I had 7 Indian stars so I conveniently named them after the seven dwarves.
This was my first terrarium set-up. I know I should not have used pebbles, but I did not know it that time.
This was my first terrarium set-up. I know I should not have used pebbles, but I did not know it that time.
6 star tortoises on a log
6 star tortoises on a log
These pictures were shot by my friend in University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City
These pictures were shot by my friend in University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City
These were my 3 most favorite photos before digital cameras
These were my 3 most favorite photos before digital cameras
Photos taken in Ateneo de Manila University
Photos taken in Ateneo de Manila University
First Video of Cracker
Date: Mar 19, 2006
Since 2006, I kept a raw digitized copy of the video. I only uploaded this video when I built this website in 2010. It's not HD quality but it serves its purpose. So here it is!
Video taken in 2006 and digitized in 2010
Candling Indian Star Tortoise Eggs
Date: Feb 21, 2006
Shown below are pictures of Bashful's eggs in a process called candling. This is done to check if the eggs are fertile. All you need is a dark room, small LED light (which I bought in Tiendesitas for P100) and a camera. Too bad, I only had a camera phone back then. The pictures didn't turn out so clear. But you can clearly see the veins!
About Us
Soda's Tortoise Garden is a personal blog documenting our experience keeping and breeding tortoises in the Philippines. Follow our Facebook page for updates. Learn More
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