Reptile & Amphibian Forums

After watching my female boxie lay eggs back in June, this afternoon at 1 p.m. the first of four eggs cracked open and a head and 1 foot came out. It's been 3 and a half hours and nothing has changed yet. I incubated them at 82 degrees and 75 days would be the end of August. I have never done this before so maybe you could answer a few questions. Like how long does it take for a baby to come out and will the others be close behind? Could this be an isolated new one and the others later on I’ve read some of the links but don’t recall any specifics on these questions. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Alan

Will keep posted on progress and post fantastic photos later

They will usually all hatch within 3-4 days of each other. Might take 24-48 hours to come out of the egg - no big rush - there's a huge yolk sac under the plastron that is much safer while the turtle is inside the egg, than out. It might a take 24-48 hours for the yolk to be absorbed. After the first crack in the egg I usually carefully more the egg from the incubating medium into a plastic shoebox full of damp sphagnum moss - the turtle can exit the egg and bury up in the damp moss for a few days till the yolk is all gone.

Just make sure everything stays moist...

Thanks for the information I totally understand everything your saying. Those where exact concrens I had or was wondering about.
I'm glad to know that it can take 24 to 48 hours,
Thanks again alan

Here's the new guy all of 2 or 3 hours old when this photo was taken, will post the rest of the clutch, 4 eggs total.

alan

thats awesome, congrats!!! great pic!!!
I'm hoping to see the same thing in about a month.
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Jeff Benfer
gartersnakemorph.com