Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Our female laid a clutch of 4 eggs in the beginning of May.
We left them in the spot where she laid them.
Average temp in the tank is 80; we put the heat light on to increase the temp for several hours during the day. We did not put the air conditioner in specifically because of the eggs.

They have not been moved since she laid them. The tank is kept moist.

We have read that it could take from 55-90 days for them to hatch. So far nothing. Is this normal? Should we candle them or leave them alone?

They are buried in dirt exactly how our female laid them. We did uncover them to inspect them (we did not touch or move them).
There is about an inch to an inch and 1/2 of soil on top of them, verses the three - four inches she placed on them.
We also have some leaves on top to help with the moisture.

Should we be doing anything?? This is our first time. We are very excited (like expecting parents).

Are we just becoming impatient? We are really excited about seeing the little ones.

If anyone has any advice, besides "be patient", please let us know.

Thanks
Beth and Jeff

Expect hatchlings anywhere from the end of July to the end of August. If you don't get anything by the end of August, dig up the eggs and candle them without turning them.

please explain the term "candle" them...what is it? how do you do it? what does it entail? yada yada yada...
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

candling is taking a flashlight or some sort of small light and gently putting it against the egg making it visable what's going on inside the shell, you can buy candling lights online for $13 and up, with duck eggs you can see blood vessels growing at 6 days, I dont know if it's the same with turtle eggs.. not much online to work with, here are a few sites about candling

http://www.finchfancier.com/Afinchionado/Egg_Candlingx.html

http://www.homestead.com/shilala/candling.html

http://forum.kingsnake.com/tortoise/messages/34578.html

http://nzfarmstays.com/candle.html

there are a bunch more just do a search on "egg candling"
keep in mind those sites are of birds eggs which are meant to be rolled you can candle turtle eggs without touching them, it's just a little harder to see
hope that helps