Humidity/Pyramiding/Incubation of eggs

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Posted by Jerry Fife on May 26, 2000 at 00:52:26:

Per my prior post on protein and pyramiding I never recieved an explanation for the test conducted by the Phoenix Zoo or other examples sited. When I commented that humidity might play a role in proper shell formation, I was not suggesting that water creates bone. Since the comments on humidity seemed so controversial, I thought I would make a few more observations and ask a few more questions.

In incubating tortoise eggs, two key control factors include temperature and humidity. If the eggs are incubated at the top of the temperature range they generally develop or grow faster. What role does humidity play? Obviously we have no impact on the embryos diet, but if we do not provide adequate humidity the embryo will not develop and will die. Humidity must play a role in development or high humidity levels would not be recommended by Andy Highfield and other experts, for incubating eggs.

Hatchling tortoises also require proper hydration; much of which comes from the humidity in their dens, which is absorbed through their skin/shell. Is it possible that a young tortoise without proper hydration would not grow in a normal manner? Water makes up a high percentage of an animal's total weight. Importers recognize this fact and dehydrate African spurred tortoises prior to shipping to save on freight costs. The first thing most people do with a new import is ensure proper hydration. Hydration for tortoises may come from water that they drink, food that they eat or absorbed through their skin. Some desert species seldom see water or have fresh green vegetation to eat but their burrows provide humidity that prevents the tortoises from dehydrating from the extreme desert heat/sun. This humidity plays a role in keeping tortoises hydrated and healthy. I expect that hydration is likely much more critical to hatchling tortoises with less body mass.

What percentage is water in the total weight of a living tortoise? What percentage is water in total weight of the tortoise shell? If these percentages of water weight were reduced, would it impact growth in any manner? How do tortoises maintain proper hydration? If a hatchling tortoises is not properly hydrated what is the health impact?

I guess that is it for now. Have a good day.

Jerry

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Re: Humidity/Pyramiding/Incubation of eggs A. C. Highfield 05/27/00 (0)

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: Per my prior post on protein and pyramiding I never recieved an explanation for the test conducted by the Phoenix Zoo or other examples sited. When I commented that humidity might play a role in proper shell formation, I was not suggesting that water creates bone. Since the comments on humidity seemed so controversial, I thought I would make a few more observations and ask a few more questions. : In incubating tortoise eggs, two key control factors include temperature and humidity. If the eggs are incubated at the top of the temperature range they generally develop or grow faster. What role does humidity play? Obviously we have no impact on the embryos diet, but if we do not provide adequate humidity the embryo will not develop and will die. Humidity must play a role in development or high humidity levels would not be recommended by Andy Highfield and other experts, for incubating eggs. : Hatchling tortoises also require proper hydration; much of which comes from the humidity in their dens, which is absorbed through their skin/shell. Is it possible that a young tortoise without proper hydration would not grow in a normal manner? Water makes up a high percentage of an animal's total weight. Importers recognize this fact and dehydrate African spurred tortoises prior to shipping to save on freight costs. The first thing most people do with a new import is ensure proper hydration. Hydration for tortoises may come from water that they drink, food that they eat or absorbed through their skin. Some desert species seldom see water or have fresh green vegetation to eat but their burrows provide humidity that prevents the tortoises from dehydrating from the extreme desert heat/sun. This humidity plays a role in keeping tortoises hydrated and healthy. I expect that hydration is likely much more critical to hatchling tortoises with less body mass. : What percentage is water in the total weight of a living tortoise? What percentage is water in total weight of the tortoise shell? If these percentages of water weight were reduced, would it impact growth in any manner? How do tortoises maintain proper hydration? If a hatchling tortoises is not properly hydrated what is the health impact? : I guess that is it for now. Have a good day. : Jerry

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