How to Incubate Diamondback Turtle Eggs

Diamondback turtle eggs can be raised in captivity using a simple incubator you can make yourself. When the female is ready to lay, provide her a nesting box of damp sand, and she will dig a hole and lay the eggs inside. One she is finished laying, remove the box and transfer the eggs to your incubator. The temperature of the incubator will determine the sex of the baby turtles that hatch.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Plastic storage container
  • Vermiculite
  • Thermometer
  • Submersible aquarium heater
  • Felt tip marker
  • Piece of acrylic
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a small plastic container halfway with vermiculite. Add water to the vermiculite until it is damp but not soggy. Tip the container to allow excess water to drain out, then stick the thermometer into the center of the container.

    • 2

      Set the temperature on a submersible aquarium heater and place it in the bottom of the aquarium. Place the plastic container inside, then add water to the aquarium until the heater is submerged. The water should reach within 2 inches of the edge of the container.

    • 3

      Mark the eggs with a felt tip marker so you know which side is up. Dig an egg-sized depression in the vermiculite, deep enough for the egg to be covered halfway. Transfer the eggs to the depression in the vermiculite. Make sure the same surface of the egg is on top at all times.

    • 4

      Cover the aquarium with a piece of acrylic, then set the aquarium in a place where it will be away from drafts. Lift the acrylic once a day for air exchange and to check the temperature.