Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told by my brother that my boxies were breeding. But I did not know they could breed so late in the year. Any info would be great. Thanks...............

They breed at all times during the year except during hibernation.

Depending on were you live, and the subspecies of box turtle, they could breed year round. I live in California, and my gulf coast box turtles breed year round - the ones that don't hibernate.

Where do you live, and what kind of box turtles do you have?

Bill G.

Mine are three toed box turtles.

My 3 toeds usually mate heavily April through mid June. They slow down through late June through July and now, like clockwork, they're becoming more active again and I will probably see occasional mating activity through September, maybe into October. It is unlikely that you would see any eggs this late. This is the time of year the ovulation cycle in the female begins the process of making eggs for next year.

I agree, a cool spell will often trigger breeding activity. Her in CA our boxes lay eggs until end of August. I had a female eastern and gulf coast laying eggs last night and two gulf coast the night before.

I am sure that in a state that has more defined seasons, predictability of breeding, egg laying and hibernation are events that you can set your clock to.

Bill G.

Just yesterday I caught my three-toeds in the act of a box turtle orgy. Last time I saw mating from them was spring. It's quite normal for them to mate whenever they feel like it. The seasons will dictate when they lay their eggs, however.