Vet Guide 2025: How Do Turtles Have Babies? by Dr Duncan Houston 🩺🐢

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc and founder of Ask A Vet. As a veterinarian dedicated to reptile care, I’m excited to share this detailed 2025 guide on how turtles reproduce—from courtship rituals and nesting behaviour to incubation, hatchling emergence, and post-laying care. If you’re considering breeding or simply curious, this blog gives you everything you need to know. 🌿

1. Courtship & Mating 💕

Turtle courtship varies by species. In aquatic turtles, males may "dance" around females, using head bobbing, shell-rubbing, and even vocalizations like squeals or grunts—sometimes bumping shells—before mounting and internal fertilization occurs :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Terrestrial species, like box turtles and tortoises, use more physical tactics. Males may bite the female’s head or limbs to immobilize her, then mount for copulation :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Females can store sperm for up to three years and may use it to fertilize multiple egg clutches over successive breeding seasons :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

2. Nest Preparation & Egg-Laying 🏝️

• A few weeks before oviposition, gravid females spend more time on land, searching for sunny, sandy or moist soil :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Using their hind legs, they excavate a flask-shaped nest, deposit eggs (typically 4–30, species-dependent), then cover the nest and leave :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Clutch size varies with species and female size—larger turtles tend to lay more/bigger eggs :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

3. Incubation & Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination 🌡️

Eggs incubate in buried nests for 45–90+ days, depending on species, temperature, and depth :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Most turtles have temperature-dependent sex determination: warmer nests produce more females; cooler nests yield more males :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

4. Hatchlings Emerge & Begin Their Journey 🌊

• Once ready, hatchlings use an egg tooth to break the shell—and may remain underground to absorb yolk before emerging :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• They typically wait for cooler nighttime conditions before surfacing to avoid heat stress and predation :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• For sea turtles, hatchlings race toward the sea, guided by wave patterns and horizon light :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Once in the water, they enter a “swimming frenzy” lasting days to reach safer offshore zones :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

5. Key Veterinary & Breeder Tips

5.1 Monitoring Gravid Females

• Ensure a clean, large nesting area with the right substrate depth and drainage.
• Provide proper nutrition and hydration to support egg development.
• Minimize stress and human interference during nesting season.

5.2 Incubation Best Practices

• Use specialized incubators to maintain precise temperature (±1 °F) and humidity (70–80%).
• Never rotate or handle eggs—they must stay in their original position to avoid embryo injury.
• Label each clutch with species, date, and temperature.

5.3 Hatchling Care Essentials

• Offer shallow, accessible water bowls and hide spots for newly emerged hatchlings.
• Maintain the proper ambient temperature (75–85 °F) and gentle lighting.
• Provide first food such as commercial hatchling pellets, small insects, or greens depending on species.

6. When Veterinary Guidance Is Critical

• Difficulty nesting, egg retention, or abnormal behaviour in gravid females.
• Unhatched eggs after expected incubation period—could signal embryo death or infertility.
• Deformed or lethargic hatchlings—could indicate developmental issues or insufficient humidity.

In any of these cases, Ask A Vet can guide you with emergency advice, egg assessments, and hatchling health support.

7. Ask A Vet Support

Considering breeding or caring for turtle hatchlings? The Ask A Vet app connects you with specialized reptile vets who review nesting logs, egg photos, incubation conditions, and hatchling growth—all helping ensure a successful clutch. Visit AskAVet.com 🐢📱.

8. Summary & Final Thoughts

Turtle reproduction is fascinating: from courtship and nest digging to incubation, hatching, and the hatchlings’ journey to the water. It’s a natural miracle—but also a responsibility. Optimal habitat, precise incubation, vigilant care, and access to veterinary support make the difference between a healthy clutch and lost offspring. If you’re breeding or caring for a turtle, remember: Ask A Vet is your partner for safe, successful turtle reproduction in 2025. 🩺🌿

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc