Excessively high temperatures can lead to deformity. For best results always use a reliable thermostat and thermometer when incubating eggs. It is not a good idea to incubate eggs on a ''hit or miss'' basis. Most females will begin to behave somewhat strangely in the period immediately before they are due to lay. Females carrying eggs may also reduce their food intake, and sometimes may stop feeding altogether just prior to laying.
Some female tortoises can be very selective about what constitutes a suitable nesting site.
Others are less discerning. In general however nearly all prefer a site which is on a slope, is well drained and has light but relatively well textured soil which is easy to excavate. Very sandy sites, especially those without plant roots to bind the sand together, are often not favoured. The female must be able to dig a bell-shaped excavation without too much difficulty, but at the same time the soil must not be so dry or so loose that the nest collapses in on itself. Preferred nest sites are also almost always situated in a sunny position.