The Difference Between Turtle & Snake Eggs

Turtles and snakes are both reptiles, so in general they have similar reproductive processes. However, because of environmental factors, these two reptiles bear their young in different ways, which give their young the best survival rate possible. Though survival is not always guaranteed for all the young who are born, those who are strong and lucky enough to survive will help with the continuance of the species.

  1. Turtle Eggs

    • Eggs are very sensitive to temperature changes.

      All breeds of turtles are strictly egg layers. Depending upon the type of turtle and what dangers surround the nest, each breed lays a different number of eggs. Some turtles will lay up to 200 eggs at a time. Turtle eggs are soft-shelled and must be protected from natural predators and high temperatures, which is why the construction of the nest is so important.

    Turtle Nests

    • Turtle nests must be carefully monitored to save these endangered species.

      Turtle nests are shallow so that the baby turtles can easily escape from the nest and make their way towards the ocean. This shallow nest regulates temperature while the eggs are incubating. Hatching of the eggs varies depending upon where the turtle laid its eggs and the intensity of the sun. Turtles will attempt to hide the nesting area to prevent predators from finding and digging up the eggs.

    Snake Eggs

    • Snakes who lay eggs usually double in size quickly.

      Not all snakes lay eggs, but the ones who do must also be very protective of the offspring, as snake eggs also have soft shells. The number of eggs laid differs also depending upon species, but 12 to 20 eggs is the average. Snake eggs are often laid in places where food is readily available to the young hatchlings.

    Snake Nests

    • Snakes hide their young to improve survival.

      Snakes make their nests in hidden areas where the hatchlings are least likely to be disturbed, like tree hollows and abandoned burrows. Snakes also leave room for the baby snakes to move around once hatched, to better acquire food.immediately after birth. Snakes must also be protected from extreme temperatures because they are cold-blooded creatures.