Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
A question we often get asked is, When do turtle eggs hatch? We hope you will find the following information on this subject interesting and helpful.
INCUBATION PERIOD: The incubation/gestation period for turtle nests is 60 to 90 days from the day the female Turtle lays her eggs (clutch). This information is a general guideline. When a nest hatches is dependent on the turtle species, where the nest is located, the amount of sunlight, moisture, temperatures the nest is subjected to, environmental factors, and so much more. A warm summer can speed up the incubation period. A cool summer and/or erratic temperatures and weather patterns can cause the hatchlings to show up slower, but in the end, we’re on turtle time.
Many factors affect the outcome of the clutch size (number of eggs) and incubation period for the eight species of turtles native to Ontario in regards to nesting variance is usual. Please view the following as a general guideline;
Blanding’s Turtle Painted Turtle – 4 to 13 oval-shaped eggs, 60 to 90 days from the date the female Turtle nested.
Eastern Musk Turtle ‘Stinkpot‘ – 2 to 5 oval-shaped eggs 60 to 90 days.
Northern Map Turtle – 7 to 23 oval-shaped eggs, 60 to 90 days, and hatchlings sometimes remain in the nest cavity until the spring, called ‘overwintering.’
Painted Turtle – 3 to 15 oval-shaped eggs, 60 to 90 days, and hatchlings often remain in the nest cavity until the spring, called ‘overwintering.’
Snapping Turtle – 6 to 104 round-shaped eggs, 80 to 90 days.
Spiny-Soft Shell – 3 to 43 round-shaped eggs, 55 to 100 days.
Spotted Turtle – 2 to 8 oval-shaped eggs, 55 to 80 days, and hatchlings may remain in the nest cavity until the spring, called ‘overwintering.’
Wood Turtle – 4 to 12 oval-shaped eggs, 60 to 90 days.
SLOW NESTS: Sometimes, nests can be slow to hatch out. DO NOT help hatchlings out of a nest cavity. They could still be absorbing their yolk sacks, and emerging too soon can be deadly. Scrapes and cuts to their yolk sacks could cause infections if put into the water too soon. It is also illegal to tamper with turtle nests without proper permits.
We have had hatchlings show up as late as Thanksgiving and even a bit later. This is not surprising as we are on ‘TURTLE TIME’ and must let nature unfold as intended. If you installed a nest protector or you know of a nest and the 60 to 90 days incubation period has since passed, please ‘DO NOT’ dig up the nest. Digging up nests before the eggs are ready to hatch may be enough to disrupt the natural incubation cycle and result in their death. It is important to note that it is illegal for citizens to disturb or move turtle eggs, remove them from the nest, be in possession of turtle eggs, and/or attempt to incubate them. Only individuals and groups that have been issued a permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry for research and conservation purposes are permitted to handle eggs in conjunction with the hatchling head starting program or research they are involved in and permitted to carry out.
OVERWINTERING: If you are wondering why the turtle nest you have been so attentive to has not hatched by Thanksgiving, it might be because the hatchlings have chosen to overwinter. The onset of cooler temperatures as fall sets will prompt some turtle hatchlings to stay in their nest for their first winter. This behavior is more typical of painted turtles and map turtles, but other turtle hatchling species, such as snapping turtles and Blanding’s turtles, also resort to this survival tactic. The success rate in these cases will vary due to the harsh winter, and some turtle species are less resilient under such conditions. Overwintering brings hope for many little turtles in the spring to look forward to.
NEST FAILURES: It is unfortunate, but each year despite the focused efforts put into protecting turtle nests and monitoring them, there are some nest failures. This can be due to the eggs not being fertilized, location or environmental challenges that prevent development, and/or improper nest protection being used (e.g., plastic crate/wooden palette) that prevents the nest from getting enough sun, air circulation, or moisture. It is always important to remember the nest is a living, breathing entity as such, has specific requirements that need to be met to survive the incubation period. Wood frame nest protectors are the preferred choice for people looking to protect a turtle nest on their property.
Thank you for asking questions. Please continue to do so. Education goes a long way in helping turtles, the wildlife they live alongside, and the habitat they share. We all benefit from that.
Kindest Regards,
Kelly Wallace, Managing Director
Think Turtle Conservation Initiative
Cell/Text: 647-606-9537
E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com
Facebook: thinkturtleci
Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly
Facebook Post: #1022
THINK TURTLE CONSERVATION INITIATIVE 