What You Didnt Know About Turtle Breeders

By Alan Stables

An important aspect turtle breeders need to consider is that captive reptiles are usually more receptive to the instinct to breed when their natural cycle is mimicked as closely as possible. With some species, this means that the urge to hibernate should be respected. In nature, turtles often mate soon after waking from their brumation.

Bear in mind that turtle males can display a fair amount of aggression during the mating season. Separate smaller, weaker specimens from the pair you wish to mate, and select them with care for their strength and vitality. Do not choose a male and female who may be related.

Females will often mate with one male and keep the sperm for years for further breeding. The health of the female should be closely watched.

There are several signs to indicate that a female turtle might be getting ready to lay eggs. Since many types of turtles spend nearly all their lives submerged in water, a foray towards dry land is usually a dead giveaway that she is preparing to nest. She will sometimes dig several test holes before being satisfied.

Turtle eggs are soft and fragile. Turtle breeders recommend not handling the eggs but some do recommend handling the turtles if needed. If you decide to move the eggs to another location not chosen by the mother, cover the egg landing site with fine wire mesh to avoid predators.

Moving turtle eggs can endanger the babies. The embryo attaches to the top of the egg. If the egg is placed in an incubation area, the egg may have a hard time hatching or may not hatch at all. When it is placed upside down, it will not hatch. Mark the top of the eggs before removing them from the incubation site.

Avoid using heat lamps or moving the eggs into the sun. This, too, will spoil their integrity. Slow incubation is safer and more effective. As with tortoises, gender is thermal dependant. A few degrees up will ensure they are females. Do not incubate above 95 Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius), as this tends to spoil the eggs. When the moment of hatching approaches, some eggs begin to fill with air as hatchlings inside begin to breathe.

In their natural habitats, turtles do not survive past the first few stages of predators. Turtles in captivity have a better chance of survival. Eggs can hatch anywhere from 60 to 90 days, depending on the species. It may take about 48 hours for the turtles to hatch and emerge. Additionally, it will take a few weeks for all of the eggs of the clutch to hatch. Sadly, turtle breeders will not inform you not all the hatchlings survive the process.

If you are looking for more information on pet turtles, then check out the advice from Alan Stables, who warns against the purchase of mini turtles. In some states it is illegal to buy a turtle below a specific size.

Article kindly provided by UberArticles.com

Topics: Reptiles | Comments Off

Tags: animals, family, mini turtles, pet turtles, Pets, Reptiles, turtle breeders, turtle eggs, Turtles

Reprint Rights

Comments are closed.