Attempt to breed Rafetus in captivity ends in disappointment

Posted on: Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

After valiant efforts by an international group, it appears that the two clutches of Rafetus eggs laid this summer will not hatch. Although over half of the 100 eggs appeared fertile, the embryos died early in development. A number of the eggs had very thin or cracked eggshells, suggesting that the diet of the animals prior to breeding was not optimal. The nutrition of the female has obvious, direct affects on the viability and hatching success of the eggs and for many years the adults had been fed a low calcium diet consisting of pieces of beef, pork or chicken without bones.

The Rafetus diet has been changed, and the female now eats whole freshwater crayfish, whole fish and chicken necks or other pieces with bones. The animals are also receiving regular calcium and vitamin supplements. With these dietary changes in place and with the animals living happily in their spacious new quarters, they should be in top form for the 2009 breeding season.