Possible gravid female

[Nej]

Hi, I've got a pair of Hermanns tortoises, they've always lived together and Tyler (male) does get a little randy and chase his girlfriend (Ferne) around, getting on her back and everything. I've thought that she is too young to get pregnant as she is only 4 and her mate is 3, and neither of them have hibernated yet.

Lately Ferne seems to be getting a bit lazier, sleeping a lot more than usual, she just seems to be acting like a different tortoise. Does anybody think that she could be pregnant?

[EVIEMAY]

Originally Posted by Nej

Hi, I've got a pair of Hermanns tortoises, they've always lived together and Tyler (male) does get a little randy and chase his girlfriend (Ferne) around, getting on her back and everything. I've thought that she is too young to get pregnant as she is only 4 and her mate is 3, and neither of them have hibernated yet.

Lately Ferne seems to be getting a bit lazier, sleeping a lot more than usual, she just seems to be acting like a different tortoise. Does anybody think that she could be pregnant?

I dont keep Hermanns so I am no expert but it sounds like she is more likely to be winding down

Gravid tortoises are usually very active - pacing, climbing.

[purplepixie]

Yes gravid females will charge about, knocking everything out of their way. Also they will mount the males or any other female around. Your tortoises unless grown to fast, are too small and young to be mating properly but they do like to practice a lot
It does sound like she might be slowing down for hibernation, or could be stressed at too much mating, is she does not have enough space to get away from the male now and again.

[Tina]

Agreed with the previous posters... they definitely don't slow down prior to laying eggs. It's far more likely that she's reacting to the drop in light levels and cooler weather - have you not noticed them slowing down in previous years? Are you planning on hibernating them this year?