How to Hatch Snapping Turtle Eggs

Snapping turtles are reptiles that enjoy a slightly marshy environment. The turtles are dark green and have rough bumps on the top of their shells. They also have a longer, sharp beak and quick reflexes that give them their name. In most cases, it is best to leave any found turtle eggs alone and let nature help them hatch. However, if a nest is in an easily flooded or high-traffic area, it may be necessary to move them if you want the turtles to survive. This is a tricky process; snapping turtles can die if their eggs are handled incorrectly.

Things You'll Need

  • Large round basket
  • Peat moss
  • Potting soil
  • Soft-tipped felt marker
  • Gardening gloves
  • Temperature-controlled space
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a basket for the eggs. Mix equal parts potting soil and peat moss, making sure you have enough to fill the basket. Fill it ¾ of the way and set the remaining peat and dirt mix aside.

    • 2

      Put on the gloves and brush the dirt from the top of the eggs. Do not move them yet; reptile embryos attach to the top of their eggshells. Turning the eggs will kill the snapping turtles.

    • 3

      Mark the top of each egg with the marker. Make something large and visible. Gently pick up each egg, keeping the ink mark facing up, and place it in the basket.

    • 4

      Sprinkle the peat and dirt mix around and over the eggs; do not pack the dirt as this will suffocate the eggs. Layer the peat and soil about a ½ an inch around the eggs, leaving a little of the top shell exposed.

    • 5

      Place the basket in a safe place where it will not be jarred. Keep the temperature in the room no lower than 75 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 85 degrees. The eggs will take 50 to 100 days to hatch.