Sunday, June 25, 2006
Turtle eggs at bottom of creek?
We have added a second heating pad: now each tub has its own. When set on low these seem to be creating an even heat which is about 28 degrees Celsius around the eggs. There is some daily variation which we try to manage manually by lifting quilts. When we start having hotter nights and days we may be able to turn the heaters off all together.
We will post pictures of the set up this week.
Two Questions: How much air do the eggs need? I have read different accounts. Some suggest that there needs to be fresh air on a regular basis because the eggs need oxygen to thrive, others have said leave the eggs in a sealed tub, which over time would starve the eggs of oxygen. Does any one have any comments?
Second, when swimming today in Mitchell Creek we found two eggs that looked like map turtle eggs on the bottom of the creek. Does any one know what the origins of these might be? Does the mother ever drop eggs in the water? There were no carcasses on the bridge, but we did consider that they might have been left over after a road kill: any other ideas?
We will post pictures of the set up this week.
Two Questions: How much air do the eggs need? I have read different accounts. Some suggest that there needs to be fresh air on a regular basis because the eggs need oxygen to thrive, others have said leave the eggs in a sealed tub, which over time would starve the eggs of oxygen. Does any one have any comments?
Second, when swimming today in Mitchell Creek we found two eggs that looked like map turtle eggs on the bottom of the creek. Does any one know what the origins of these might be? Does the mother ever drop eggs in the water? There were no carcasses on the bridge, but we did consider that they might have been left over after a road kill: any other ideas?
# posted by turtle rescuers @ 9:09 AM 
Comments:
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I would not worry too much about temperature fluctuations, as long as the temperature is always within a reasonable range. Temperature fluctuations are a natural phenomenon for turtle eggs. Don't let them go over 32 C, especially over prolonged periods of time.
Yes, turtle eggs do need air, but remember that the clutches are normally buried underground. They do not need a large airflow. If they are in a container that is not airtight, and have a few airholes, they should be fine, particularly if the substrate that they are isn't too compact.
The most important aspect is to make sure the substrate is moist - it is worse if it gets too dry than too wet.
Female turtles occasionally fail to lay an egg or two during oviposition. These eggs are then expelled at a later time - I have seen snapping turtles do this. That is probably the source of those eggs you saw. It is also possible that someone moved a female during oviposition.
I am positive that you are legally required to have a permit.
Yes, turtle eggs do need air, but remember that the clutches are normally buried underground. They do not need a large airflow. If they are in a container that is not airtight, and have a few airholes, they should be fine, particularly if the substrate that they are isn't too compact.
The most important aspect is to make sure the substrate is moist - it is worse if it gets too dry than too wet.
Female turtles occasionally fail to lay an egg or two during oviposition. These eggs are then expelled at a later time - I have seen snapping turtles do this. That is probably the source of those eggs you saw. It is also possible that someone moved a female during oviposition.
I am positive that you are legally required to have a permit.
# posted by 
: 7:35 AM
: 7:35 AM
Thank you for your helpful comments. We seem to be solving the temperature problems, there wera few times when it did go above 32 degress, never for long and not much above. The substrate is peat moss and kpet loose and moist. It is still very humid and we have been adding a sprinkling of water on the drier days. I have been talking witht he MNR to work out our status. thanks again, Ross.
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