The Isle Nesting Guide: Courting, How to Feed Babies, & More

In The Isle, nesting is one of the core mechanics of this dino-themed survival title, offering social dynamics and survival. Use the features tied to this system to create nests, lay eggs, and raise hatchlings. Doing so encourages cooperation with other players on the server. So, continue reading to learn this mechanic in greater detail.

How to Nest on The Isle

Generally, nesting in The Isle comprises of searching for a suitable partner and the right location. Successful courtship and gestation leads to juvenile dinosaurs, which might also be stronger than their parents. Follow these steps to complete the nesting process in The Isle:

Preparation

Note that only female dinosaurs can gestate in The Isle. With that, prepare for nesting by opening the Egg/Nest window by pressing the Tab key (by default). Next, click the Nest button, allowing you to choose the number of eggs to gestate per nesting operation. Additionally, it’s essential to find a nesting ground hidden away from combat hotspots. Although nesting only takes roughly a few minutes to complete, you’re still going to be vulnerable to enemy attacks if found.

Courtship

A successful courtship in The Isle can only happen if:

• Both parties aren’t in a party, and
• They’re of the same species

After completing these requirements, search the map for a suitable mate of the same species. Apart from communicating through third-party software, players can find mates in The Isle by using the "F" key (by default). However, be warned, as other dinosaurs can hear your calls, which can invite trouble if you're not careful. Once you find a suitable partner, travel to a shallow water location, as the courting ceremony won’t trigger apart from this area type. Next, face the other dinosaur and hold the “N” key (by default) to trigger the ceremony. If successful, both parties form a party. Note that you can add additional members to the party only after the courting procedure is completed.

Nesting & Gestation

Assuming that you and your partner are in a safe location, the female party member should lay eggs. Remember, only eggs with 100% gestation can be placed in the nest. However, each egg gestated will reduce the female’s food and nutrient values. So, indicating the number of eggs to gestate and staying away from sickness before the nesting phase begins is important. Also, it's ideal to stay within the nest's vicinity until the eggs hatch. Remember, other dinosaurs can smell eggs and are particularly healthy when eaten. Keep an eye on your little ones to prevent other dinos from eating them.

Raising Dinosaurs

Once hatched, parent dinosaurs can feed their young ones by pressing and holding the “E” key (by default). Again, this action makes a call that can be heard by nearby dinosaurs. Also, it’s possible to overfeed baby dinos. Pay attention until you hear a crunching-like sound, which indicates that you should stop the feeding process. It’s also important to mention that the babies inherit the diet of the parent that feeds them. Babies stop requiring nourishment from their parents once they reach about 20% growth rate.