How to Incubate Tortoise Eggs

Female tortoises incubate their eggs by digging holes in areas with soft soil or sand and allowing the moisture in the sand and heat from the sun incubate the eggs. If a female tortoise is harmed or other tortoises threaten a nesting site, it may be necessary to artificially incubate the tortoise eggs. However, incubating tortoise eggs is an involved process the requires a high degree of dedication as the incubation period for the various tortoise species varies from two to four months. According to World Chelonian Trust, the average incubation time for tortoise eggs is 70-100 days and varies depending on external factors.

Things You'll Need

  • Small container with lid
  • Knife
  • Incubator
  • Sand
  • Vermiculite
  • Peat moss
  • Sphagnum moss
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a small container to use to incubate the eggs. A wide variety of different containers are appropriate including disposable deli containers or tupperware. Select one that is capable of holding all of the eggs and is also small enough to fit inside the incubator. Once the container is selected, poke small holes in the container and lid using a sharp knife. The holes will allow air to circulate in the container.

    • 2

      Fill the container with moist sand or a combination of vermiculite, peat moss, and sphagnum moss. If the vermiculite and moss mixture is used, soak the the mixture and then squeeze out the excess water before placing it in the container. Care should be used when wringing out the mixture as it is better for the mixture to be too moist than too dry.

    • 3

      Place the eggs carefully in the container and cover with the lid. The eggs should be partially covered but not buried so that air and moisture can reach each egg.

    • 4

      Place the container inside of the incubator. Monitor the incubator to ensure that the temperature is between 85 to 90 degrees.

    • 5

      Monitor the eggs in the incubator and remove any mold that may appear on the surface of the eggs with cotton swabs. Take care to not move the eggs once they have been placed in the incubator as excessive heat and movement can lead to the death of the tortoise embryos.