Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have a question about a turtle nest that someone from where I work has in her yard. The description of the turtle she saw in the yard prior to the nest sounds like a Painted Turtle. She first saw the nest about a month or more ago. My question is, will they hatch this year or next spring? We live in St.Paul Mn. so there is only another two monthes or so before the cold comes. I asked her if I could have them when they hatch and she agreed, but if they wont hatch until next spring what should she do, they're next to her driveway, I'm not sure how that would work out in the wintertime. Could they be dug up? I dont want to do this but will if it's better, so what do you think?

Thanks,

God bless,
Mike.

Some will hatch this year around August, and then others may overwinter in the nest. So you will have some this year. You will not want to keep all of them, there could be 15 eggs. What I would do is put a mesh screen "fence" around and over the nest. That way when they hatch you will have them contained. Then just keep 1 or 2 and release the rest into a pond or lake.
Good luck,
Chris
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0.1 Red Eared Slider, 1.0 Common Snapper, 1.0 Bearded Dragon and a 55gal Native Fish Tank with a 6in LM Bass, 3 Crawdads and a Pleco.
I use to have a collection of Leopard Geckos that I bred, but have sold them.

Hi!
I live in the twin citities too (Plymouth) and found a painted turtle laying eggs on June 8th. I searched the internet and found a site that gives great instructions on what to do with turtle eggs. I did everything it said and dug up the eggs (so the raccoons wouldn't get them) and have been caring for them since. According to the website the eggs should hatch after 50 days depending on how warm they are kept. So I'm sure your friends will hatch this year. I know that sometimes if the eggs are layed later in the year, the hatchlings will just stay in the nest until the next spring. Next wednesday will be 50 days for my eggs and I'm really excited. We may do a live turtle-cam on the web while they are hatching! Here's that site and good luck -
http://turtle_tails.tripod.com/raisingbabyturtles/tour8.htm
Link