Breeder’s success in long run
Published: 13/05/2010
A MORAY tortoise breeder has finally struck success four years after he launched his project.
Elgin pet shop owner Andrew Birnie was overjoyed to see Horace the Horsefield tortoise cracking his way through his shell on Saturday morning.
The tiny reptile is the first offspring of a pair of adult Horsefield tortoises, which Mr Birnie has been breeding since 2006. Eight clutches of empty shells have been produced up until now.
He said he was delighted with the arrival of his first tortoise which is seems to be perfect health and enjoying a diet of dandelion and clover.
He added: “I was elated. It was Saturday morning and I was having a really bad morning and I just saw him scrabbling around in his incubation box. It really lifted my day.”
Horsefield tortoises are also known as Russian tortoises and are widely kept as pets.
The hardy species can tolerate extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Mr Birnie presently keeps 10 tortoises in his High Street pet shop.