Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone. About two weeks ago I noticed one of my female easterns was a little heavy. I felt in front of her back legs, and sure enough there were eggs! Now, almost two weeks later, she is digging a nest. I'm not sure if it is just a test nest or if it is the real thing. This is the first time I have a female lay eggs. I have a few questions about incubating the eggs, since I have seemed to misplace my copy of "The Box Turtle Manual". First question, can I use top soil and peat moss to incubate the eggs? Also, what temperature should I incubate the eggs at?

Thanks,
Steve

Steve
the method I use for box turtle eggs, and all other temperate parchment shelled eggs is on this page:

http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Emergency Incubation Techniques.htm

Cut and paste into your browser:

Or go to the link below, click on "Articles", then "Breeding" then click on "Emergency Incubation Technique"

Darrell

World Chelonian Trust

Darrell,

Thanks for that info. I already have the Hovabator 9200 still air incubator. It is currently set at 85 F to 86 F. From what I read, this temperature should produce mixed sexes. Am I correct? Also, using top soil and peat moss should be fine, right?

Thanks again,
Steve

80 is the median temp for box turtles (actually 79-80 I think). 85 is towards the female end of probability.

I will see if I can dig up some more information but that seems a bit high.

I would try for about 82 instead.

I prefer vermiculite as substrate as it is easier to control the dampness of it by weight 1-1 by weight with water.

D-=-