Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I witnessed my 3-toed boxies breeding this evening. Assuming all goes well, how long til she lays eggs ?

it could be a few years. They can hold the sperm for several years.

If the turtle has regularly been brumated, you can expect her to lay eggs at nearly the same time every year. Most female box turtles will lay eggs independent of breeding. Breeding seems to only affect the fertility of the eggs(obviously), clutch size, and the total number of clutches in a given year.

The nesting period is very dependent upon where you live. In most areas of the country, the first nests of the year are laid from late May to early July. Multiple clutching is harder to predict.

Watch for excessive basking and restlessness. T.c.ssp. really love to nest after early afternoon rainstorms.

>>I witnessed my 3-toed boxies breeding this evening. Assuming all goes well, how long til she lays eggs ?
>>

Lovely turtle! If the female is healthy and the male's sperm is strong, you can expect egg laying in about 3 to 4 weeks. Good luck! Read my book I also have a free online book with information on breeding and hatchling care at www.boxturtlesite.info.