another hatchling

[Joe H]

This one just hatched. I have 15 more incubating and 2 females digging test nests

[joliekat]

This may be a stupid question but what's the thing on his tummy?

[Joe H]

Not a stupid question

Its the yolk sack. In the next few days it will use up the youlk and that will disappear

[baxter]

Adorable Joe! I didn't know eggs would hatch in winter. And females digging test nests in winter? Is that a red-footed tortoise?

[Joe H]

Yep its a redfoot

Mine start laying eggs in September and are usually done by March.
They take 105-150 days to hatch.

There are 3 more eggs in the clutch

[baxter]

Very nice, thanks.

[joliekat]

Thanks Joe.  So do they use the nutrients in the yolk sac to maintain them until they start eating?  I'm just thinking of in the plant world seedlings get their nutrients from the seed until they photosynthesize.

He is such a cutie and with such bright coloring.   

[Joe H]

Yep......

they can live for weeks off the yolk

[joliekat]

That's amazing!  Thanks Joe for the info.  I love learning new things about nature and how things work. 

[Joe H]

torts are fascinating creatures. The whole egg process is pretty amazing

[joliekat]

That's true.  I'm still trying to figure out how they fit in there.  I've never seen a hatchling in person and that would probably help me out.  I mean do they bend in there or are they flat?  Also, I've seen some posts where you mention an egg tooth.  Does that just fall off after they hatch?  I am one of those curious people as you can tell.

[Joe H]

It depends on the species. Russians are folded in half around the waist. Box turtles and redfots are just slightly bent

[SusanMcM]

Thanks for sharing that Joe. I found it really interesting. The baby is absolutley gorgeous. Is there a special name for a baby tortoise or is it just 'hatchling'. Susan

[Joe H]

I just call them hatchlings

[Bertas Tortoise]

So darn cute!