How to Breed Water Turtles

Water turtles are among the world's most popular pets. These readily available aquatic reptiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and appeal to children and adults alike. However, they can be quite difficult to care for because of their delicate nature, strict environmental requirements, specific diets and habit of dirtying water. Breeding them is an even more difficult undertaking.

Things You'll Need

  • Turtle habitat with water, rocks, filters and heat lamp
  • Male turtle, at least three years old
  • Female turtle, at least five years old
  • Nesting box
  • Moss
  • Plastic container with lid
  • Vermiculite
  • Scissors
  • Spray bottle
  • Heat lamp and bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the female and male turtle into your premade turtle habitat, which should be half filled with water and contain filters, rocks and a heat lamp according to your specific type of turtle. Research the type of turtle you have before setting up the habitat.

    • 2

      Let the turtles bond for at least a few months.

    • 3

      In January, reduce the temperature of the habitat by turning off one of the heat lamps or reducing the power of its bulb. You may reduce the temperature to as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe. Your turtles may eat very little during this period. As this simulates the breeding season, they should mate during this time period.

    • 4

      In April, increase the heat back to the standard 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and place the plastic or wooden nesting box on dry land within the habitat.

    • 5

      Fill the box with about 12 inches of moistened moss.

    • 6

      Allow the female to lay her eggs. Over the summer, she will lay her eggs in this nesting area. She may have multiple clutches over the season.

    • 7

      Place moistened vermiculite into the plastic container.

    • 8

      Remove the eggs from the nest, taking great care not to turn them over, and place them snugly within the vermiculite.

    • 9

      Cut some air holes into the container's lid with the scissors and seal the container containing the eggs.

    • 10

      Place a heat lamp above the container to keep the temperature hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 11

      Gently spray the eggs every day to keep them moist.

    • 12

      In two to four months the babies will hatch. Place them into their own habitat, making sure to keep them isolated from adults until they've grown large enough to hold their own.