Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Today I found a large RES laying eggs on the bank of the ditch behind my house. I apparently didn't startle her enough to make her stop, cause she just kept on laying the last few eggs, covered them up, and then headed back toward the large canal that she no doubt came from. Since there are at least 2 trash can raiding racoons in my neighborhood, I carefully dug up the eggs, and put them in a plastic shoebox full of paver sand that I had (there were 12 eggs total). I covered them up with about 2 or 3 inches of sand. The shoebox is now in my garage, but I'm not sure if thats the best spot, since it can get pretty warm during the day. So my question is what should I do? I don't know what is the best spot to put the plastic shoebox, and I definitely don't want it in the house. It can get quite hot down here in Louisiana (mid 90s), and I don't know if that it can get too hot for the eggs. Should I find a shady spot, and build a wire mesh cage to put the shoebox in? Should I bury the shoebox in some more dirt or sand to insulate it some? Any help would be appreciated.

Mark

First,be carful not to turn the eggs. You can put a pencil mark on each egg so you remember which side is up.

Next, the best thing to do is put them on damp paper towels in your shoe box and put it on top of your refrigerater! Keep the towels damp.

If you don't want to keep them in the house, build a wire cage and put them in it. Bury it right where the female laid them. You can leave some of the cage above ground. That way you can check to see if they have hatched. When they have hatched just remove them from the cage.

Good luck.
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0.1.0 ornate box turtle
1.0.0 eastern box turtle
1.0.0 Yellow belly slider
0.1.0 Red belly cooter
0.1.0 Australian shepard
1.11.0 chickens
1.0.0 Dutch(rabbit)
3.2.0 children (do I still count the married ones?)
1.0.0 husband