Hatchling Care Hatchling tortoises are removed from the incubator when they fully emerge from the egg and their yolk sac is less than 1 cm. In most cases this falls about 3 days after pipping. They are weighed and measured, and their umbilicus is rinsed with betadine solution. At 50 g the young tortoises are moved to a substrate of Purina Horse Chow 100 and watered twice weekly before feedings. Details about lighting, including UV supplementation, temperature regimens, and general care of young have not changed significantly from earlier reports.
New growth is presumed to be higher in protein and lower in fiber than surrounding mature growth.
During the winter months, while the tortoises are in their shelter building, seasonally available greens are fed daily. In outdoor and indoor facilities the tortoises are fed free choice. The radiated tortoise is often referred to as the world's most beautiful tortoise. It is a very popular display species in zoological parks and it has prospered from zoo and private breeding programs. Today, more than 400 specimens are registered in the North American studbook for G. radiata .