Painted turtle eggs... [Archive]

Abacat

07-19-2007, 02:02 PM

Does anyone know how to tell if turtle eggs are still viable (or whatever it's called for turtles)? I went for a walk in my back woods today, found a shell of an eastern painted female. Not sure what happened to mom, it was totally decomposed except for one leg, a few bones, and 4 eggs inside the shell. The eggs were still moist. I'm sure they got jostled around so I don't know which side is the top. Don't have any idea how long she laid back there. :sad I'm sorry I didn't come across her sooner, maybe I could have helped her...Below a pic of the eggs:
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Found this link:

http://turtle_tails.tripod.com/raisingbabyturtles/tour8.htm
But any suggestions would be appreciated...I guess all I can really do is wait.

Mars

07-19-2007, 02:40 PM

I think they can be candled just like any other egg. That's a great site. I can show you my home made incubator from a few years ago. Hope this helps.

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo

07-19-2007, 03:40 PM

That is so sad about the mom. I hope the little guys are ok in their eggs!

squirrelfriend

07-19-2007, 03:51 PM

Wow, that is pretty interesting. Sorry about the mom though. Hope the little ones are ok. Keep us updated. I really want to see if these guys hatch. How long does it take for them to hatch normaly?

susanw

07-19-2007, 03:54 PM

I'm not sure about painted turtle' eggs, but I know we check our duck eggs by holding a piece of cardboard behind the egg and than look thru it with a flashlight. :wave123

By the way Mars, I like your incubator. Did the eggs hatch?

Mars

07-19-2007, 04:51 PM

By the way Mars, I like your incubator. Did the eggs hatch?

Yes, 18 out of 20 snappers hatched that year. They were with me all winter. By spring I was cleaning 13 tanks in rotation each day. Built those arm muscles lugging water back and forth, too. :D

Abacat

07-19-2007, 05:01 PM

:thankyou for the info...Mars, I love the incubator! That site said if you don't have an incubator, it takes much longer to hatch...Squirrelfriend, I copied this @hatching:
Females nest May through July. An average of 8 eggs are laid on land, and are slightly larger than 1". Young hatch in 10-11 weeks and look much like the adults.
susanw and squirrelsrule&bunniestoo Thank you both...susanw, I will try that with the eggs.
I just wish I had an idea when they were about to be laid, poor girl never got the chance, or did lay some... then something got her...:dono
:thankyou again for your help.

Abacat

07-19-2007, 05:32 PM

Thanks Gamma, Hope all is okay...Boy, that girl is sure hopping! It's not baby goats is it? :hyper or Clippy? :hyper
Mars, your snapper eggs, did you mark them? Did you "candle" them? See any movement? Is it true you aren't suppose to "rotate" them once development starts? I'm gonna go try to "see" what's in the eggs now...Maybe there's hope...

Mars

07-19-2007, 05:40 PM

Turtle eggs should never be rotated. The less they are moved the better. I had an earlier batch of 38 I tried to hatch without a proper incubator and only one made it. Then the next year a new batch of 24 came in and none made it even with the incubators. Good luck. I was told to never give up on turtles - they are remarkable critters. So I leave the eggs in the inculbators until they hatch or collapse. :)

Abacat

07-19-2007, 06:33 PM

Oooo, I hope I didn't make things worse...I did try to candle them, as I said no clue which was the top of the egg to start...I think one is a goner...the other three? :dono I saw a small air bubble inside all three, 2 of the 3, I thought I saw a small darker ovally shape, nothing in the other 1. Then, the one I think is no good, 1st of 3 together, see the dark spots? check out the pic...
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Top view of Mom's shell.
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Side view of shell.
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How long would it take to be looking like that (empty) inside? And I guess for lack of knowledge about moving eggs, I may very well have killed them in bringing them back from the woods...They were definitely moved. Gonna go fix their "nest". All I can do is hope, pray and wait.....

Mars

07-19-2007, 06:41 PM

The waiting is the hard part. Her shell may have acted as an inculbator and protected her eggs till you found them. Give it a shot. An inculbator like I made is not expense. I'll answer any questions I can or introduce you to one of my turtle mentors if I can't.

Mars

07-19-2007, 06:52 PM

Not to interrupt, :D but Mars...Is there anything you haven't rehabbed, or know how to take care of?? You just amaze me!!! :thumbsup

Don't ask me anything about human babies. :D I don't work with primates. :rotfl

NaturesGift

07-19-2007, 07:18 PM

would a little giant icubator work ? they are cheep. It is what I have .. I havent had a problem.

a few years ago I incubated eggs in the bottom drawer of my dresser ..with a heating pad and a bowl of water.. Should have taken pics.. I didnt have Internet then,... it was one of those Ideas that you have to try. :)

I really hope all turns out. I have never tried reptiles. . But I may someday the way I go right?

Abacat

07-19-2007, 07:32 PM

Thanks guys, you are the best ...For now they are upstairs...it stays @ 82, and will keep checking the moisture level till I can rig up an incubator...Mars, can you tell me what to buy?...instructions to put together?
One thing that concerns me is the color of the eggs, shouldn't they be white and more round? These are grayish and ovaly...ughhh...I want them to live!!!!

Mars

07-19-2007, 08:39 PM

Sure - take a look at my pictures. I started with just a styrofoam cooler. In the bottom place a small aquarium heater ( one with a thermostat is best ) place a thermometer and cover with distilled water ( about a 1/3 full ) I placed marks with a sharpie on the side so I could easily check the water level. run the heater cord up the side, secure with duct tape and cut a small notch at the top so it will fix smuggly under the cover. Use a pencil to make small holes in the sides to run through support dowels for the shelf just below the inner rim. The shelf was made from a piece of hardware cloth cut to size and the edges covered with duct tape. Create a small tab of duct tape on one end of the shelf as a handle so you can easily lift it when needed. The cover can be left solid or do as I did and cut the top center out and cover it with plastic wrap and again duct tape. use your pencil again to put on small hole in a top corner of the cover and put a drinking straw through to create a vent. That's pretty much it. Total cost before the heater was less than $5.00. The heater was twenty something but worth it. I put the whole thing onto plastic in case it leaked ( which one of them did :D ) Set the heater for a couple of degrees higher than you want to keep the tank. A second thermometer/hydrometer on the shelf was helpful. I put my eggs in ventilated trays ( cherry tomato boxes ) and sat back and waited. :)

Secret Squirrel

07-19-2007, 09:03 PM

I saw a segment on animal planet. A turtle was impacted with eggs that she couldn't pass. The turtle would have died if the eggs weren't removed. There were 8 eggs total....momma didn't survive the surgery..sad but true. The turtle was 20 years old.

Could the mother turtle have been impacted ? How long does it take for a turtle take to decompose ? I know that involves conditions...IE weather, temp, animals eating the remains.
If there was an animal eating remains...(part of nature) why didn't they eat the eggs ?
I am just asking or raising a question for consideration. I hope the eggs are hatchable. I would love to see this unfold and watch baby turtles being born on TSB !!!
Squirrel board.....reaching all animals .....and reptiles too!!! Awesome!!!

Abacat

07-20-2007, 05:53 PM

Thank You soooo much Mars, I'm "building" my "turtle hatcher"...:D (thinking positive...come on lil guys hatch!) Did you use that 1part sphagnum moss, 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite as your hatch mixture?

Secret Squirrel, I'm thinking maybe something just attacked her with a lethal injury, but didn't eat her :dono ...maybe she just got eaten by bugs, and decomposed. The eggs were protected for awhile in her "innards" , and then I come along. The eggs were still moist, abit sticky when I found her...I sure hope they make it.
:thankyou everyone for the info. and help...I'll share pics if they make it...

Mars

07-20-2007, 05:56 PM

I used just plain vermiculite. :)

Secret Squirrel

07-20-2007, 06:25 PM

Secret Squirrel here!!!
I have been told.....by very reliable and trust worthy source ....that Mars is the turtle "guru" and her methods are tried and true. Mars has been "placed" here on a mission of her own.

Not that I was undercover...but I was at a top secret convention where I was approached by another agent .......my trusty side Kick Morocco Mole can attest to my new found wealth of information.
Good luck with the turtle eggs Abacat....you have been given this task with great consideration from the underground. And you think you just found them.....:thumbsup
Secret Squirrel at your service.
Signing off now

Mars

07-20-2007, 06:44 PM

Vivinus

07-20-2007, 11:32 PM

I read these forums for 30-60 minutes a day (often I lose track of the time without realizing it), I can't imagine how much more time I'd spend if I wrote on here more often.

I just wanted to say I feel like I should be getting college credit in veterinary science just for reading these forums. I learn so much in such a good environment.

:thumbsup

Vivinus

07-20-2007, 11:32 PM

Hey, I made Senior Member on that post! :D

Abacat

07-21-2007, 04:07 AM

Vivinus
Hey, I made Senior Member on that post! :wahoo You go girl...:alright.gif Yes, I know what you mean about losing track of time...:shakehead
Secret Squirrel, what were you smoking?:poke :shakehead :shakehead
Not that I was undercover...but I was at a top secret convention where I was approached by another agent .......my trusty side Kick Morocco Mole can attest to my new found wealth of information. Girl, you have got to get out more... :jump too much time here on TSB. :D
You guys are soooo awesome...:thumbsup
:grouphug

island rehabber

07-21-2007, 08:06 AM

This is an amazing thread that I'm jsut catching up with now.....Mars, you rock!! Abacat, we're all rootin' for ya! I'm praying for healthy turtle babies.....few things in life are cuter than baby turtles....maybe only baby squirrels and baby hedgies......:D

Secret Squirrel

07-21-2007, 08:16 AM

Secret Squirrel, what were you smoking?:poke :shakehead :shakehead Girl, you havegot to get out more... :jump too much time here on TSB. :D

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
I was just being my alter ego.....Secret Squirrel....at your service!!!!!

Yeah...I need to get a real life or some babies real soon!!!!!

Vivinus

07-21-2007, 01:27 PM

Vivinus:wahoo You go girl...:alright.gif

I'm male. :shakehead

Abacat

07-21-2007, 05:09 PM

OOOOO, Vivinus, I'm very sorry...Please forgive me, sometimes I speak before thinking.
:baghead.
But hey, congrats on senior member...:D

Chippy Tails

07-21-2007, 05:49 PM

I'm just logging in for the day and I must say this thread is very interesting. I checked out that turtle site and it has a wealth of info. Good luck with your eggs and thanks to all for sharing their knowledge.

Abacat

07-22-2007, 01:40 PM

Okay, no laughing...here's my "turtle hatcher". :D
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Mars, do you think it matters so much the size? I can always make a bigger one if I need to. One of the guys at work was about to toss out that styrofoam container, just as I was looking for one. I took it as a sign from above, this was meant to be part of my turtle hatcher...:shakehead I know, I need a life...It's not as deep as yours, but I'll keep a close eye on it. It has a 50 watt/10 gallon aquarium heater w/ thermostat, and 2.25 gallons of water. The temp. is holding at 82, the humidity 90%.
All righty then, just sit back and wait....:)

Mars

07-22-2007, 03:42 PM

Believe it or not I was on the phone with my turtle mentor when you posted. I was showing her your eggs. She says your turtle hatcher is perfect. :D Well done. :) She also said she has had turtle eggs found as yours were - still in the decomposing shell twice. It is very rare. She also said the chances of them hatching were slim but, with turtles, miracles do happen - so definately go for it. :thumbsup

Abacat

07-22-2007, 04:13 PM

:thankyou As Secret Squirrel said:
Mars is the turtle "guru" so I learned from the Best! :D
I'm saying my prayers to not let the Turtle Mom down, I want to give her a legacy,
her babies surviving and thriving. Come on lil guys you can do this...I need that miracle.

LynninIN

07-22-2007, 04:26 PM

Hang in there little turtles, there are lots of people cheering you on.

Secret Squirrel

07-22-2007, 07:57 PM

Prayers are being sent daily....a few times a day !!! Keep us posted....what is the time frame for turtle eggs hatching???

Abacat

07-22-2007, 09:42 PM

I'm half asleep :sleep1 right now, so hopefully this will be answered correctly...It takes 10 to 11 weeks to incubate. When they are born they're on their own in the wild, no Mom to look out for them. Since I'm not sure how old the eggs were...:dono but I marked my calendar for September 27th. :thumbsup
Thanks to all for your help, interest and most of all your prayers. :grouphug

Kathy56

07-22-2007, 09:47 PM

More prayers coming your way.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Abacat

08-19-2007, 07:47 PM

I have very sad news, the eggs have started to collapse...I guess that's not a good thing...Mars?

Upon doing your air exchanges if you notice any of them starting to collapse a bit add just a touch of water. If any turn dark and moldy - or totally collapse - usually that means they are infertile or have died.
Taken from this link : http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Emergency%20Incubation%20Techniques.htm

squirrelsrule&bunniestoo

08-19-2007, 07:51 PM

Aw, I am sorry they have collapsed. You gave it a great shot though. Love your turtle hatcher. That would have been so cool if they had hatched! I love baby turtles!

Mrs. Jack

08-19-2007, 08:15 PM

:Love_Icon turtles :( I am sorry.

Mars

08-19-2007, 10:07 PM

Collaspe is not good. I'm sorry. Thank you for trying. I'm betting you found them for a reason and when the next eggs come in you will be better prepared to care for them.

LynninIN

08-19-2007, 10:17 PM

You tried so hard with these turtle eggs. I'm sorry they didn't make it.

TexanSquirrel

08-19-2007, 10:17 PM

Awww...sorry they didn't hatch. At least we've all learned a lot for the next eggs that come along...:Love_Icon

Kathy56

08-19-2007, 11:43 PM

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

twobabysquirrels

08-20-2007, 10:25 AM

Aww, I'm just seeing this now. I'm sorry that your eggs didn't make it, you sure did try really hard! I bet that Momma appreciates all your hard work for her babies.

I have 2 painted turts myself. One is a Western Painted (Stanley) and the other is a Southern Painted (Stuart). Here's a shot of my guys:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/lunger/Stanley%20and%20Stuart/IMG_0016.jpg

Chippy Tails

08-20-2007, 01:58 PM

:grouphug I am so sorry about your turtle eggs. I was so hoping to see these little guys when they hatched. You did a great job and I'm sure they're mom would be thankful. Maybe there are more eggs in store for you in the future. :dono We've all learned a great deal from your experience. Thank you.:grouphug

I have 2 painted turts myself. One is a Western Painted (Stanley) and the other is a Southern Painted (Stuart).

Your turtles look alot like the painted turtles we have here in New England. Do you know what the difference is?