Breeding Box Turtles, I have a few questions.

[C.H.D Reptiles]

How long does it take for a female to lay eggs after mating? also how long does it take for the eggs to hatch? I had my trio of eastern's breed yesterday, and the day before, and today. so I think they are fertile. What temp should I have the incubator? or should I just let them hatch in the ground? I live in Alabama so it stays warm all winter. Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

Female box turtles lay their eggs according to the time of year, not according to when they've been bred. They nest in the spring so the eggs will hatch in September. It's usually about a 3 month incubation period. I like to keep my temperature set around 85F degrees. If you want the eggs to incubate naturally, you should mark the nest (or put a wire basket around it) and keep an eye out for predators. Skunks are very good at sniffing out buried eggs.

 

[C.H.D Reptiles]

Female box turtles lay their eggs according to the time of year, not according to when they've been bred. They nest in the spring so the eggs will hatch in September. It's usually about a 3 month incubation period. I like to keep my temperature set around 85F degrees. If you want the eggs to incubate naturally, you should mark the nest (or put a wire basket around it) and keep an eye out for predators. Skunks are very good at sniffing out buried eggs.

Its spring so what time of spring do they usually lay? (Spring in Alabama is February to May)

 

[Markw84]

Its spring so what time of spring do they usually lay? (Spring in Alabama is February to May)

The height of egg laying season is mid May through mid June.

 

[C.H.D Reptiles]

The height of egg laying season is mid May through mid June.

Thanks

 

[Rachael403]

I would love to see pictures of your baby hatchlings when they are born. I love seeing pictures of baby turtles. I have never been blessed with mine having babies.