When Do Red-Eared Slider Turtles Lay Eggs: Facts and Guidelines

These eggs will be available from mid-May to early July so that hatchlings will be ready for their new home by the end of September or October. If you’re lucky enough to find red-eared slider turtle eggs, don’t forget to take them home and give them the best care! Slider eggs can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place for future use by the turtle population.

What Do Red-Eared Slider Eggs Look Like? 

Red-eared slider eggs are white, and they measure about 1 inch long. Red-eared slider egg size varies depending on the location; they can be about the size of a ping pong ball but usually hatch with cream colors. Slider eggs can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place for future use by the turtle population. 

Red-Eared Slider Eggs Incubation Period 

Red-eared slider turtles lay eggs between May and July in most parts of the U.S. and incubate them for around 60 to 90 days. During this time, the females will eat nothing but soft-bodied insects. When the eggs are hatched, the babies will stay with their mother for about two months before venturing into the world on their own.

Once the eggs have been incubated, the baby slider turtles will hatch in about 60-65 days. The hatchlings will require plenty of food and water and must be kept in a warm environment. 

When red-eared slider turtles lay their eggs, it doesn’t matter what the actual temperature is – as long as it’s warmer than 78 degrees Fahrenheit! Once the eggs hatch, baby sliders will be either male or female based on their size and sex markings. The incubation lasts about 65-70 days, during which temperatures are kept at a range of 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Often Do Red-Eared Slider Turtles Lay Eggs?

Red-eared slider turtles are an exciting reptile species often kept as pets. These reptiles lay eggs and usually do so between April and July. Females can lay up to thirty eggs at a time – making this one of the most prolific egg-laying reptiles on earth! 

What Time of the Year Do Red-Eared Sliders Lay Eggs?

Red-eared slider turtles lay eggs between May and July, depending on the part of their range. The eggs are oval-shaped, sticky, and take about two weeks to hatch. Baby slider turtles will be about 1 inch long when they hatch. They will also lay eggs during winter in the northern range only.

Red-Eared Slider Turtle Eggs Hatching Phase

They lay eggs from May through August, hatching within 50 days. Hatchlings will stay with their mother for about six months before leaving to find their territory.

How Long for Red-Eared Slider Eggs to Hatch?

Red-eared slider eggs will hatch after spending around 50 to 65 days in the egg. Ensure you provide a warm, moist environment for your eggs during incubation, and keep an eye out for any emerging hatchlings!

Red-Eared Slider Nesting Behavior

One of the things that makes them so unique is their nesting behavior. Be patient – the nest may not hatch for several weeks, but you can be sure that the eggs are there. When you see evidence of a slider nesting (usually lots of broken eggshells), observe, and you’ll likely be able to catch a glimpse of the babies hatching! 

If all goes well and you manage to spot the hatchlings emerging from their nests, be sure to help them get back into the wild as soon as possible. There’s no better way to enjoy these turtles than by helping them lay their eggs and watch them hatch. 

Do Red-Eared Sliders Stay With Their Eggs?

As mentioned, the females usually stay with their eggs for about two months before leaving to look for another suitable nest site. Ensure not to disturb them during this time – they’ll defend their clutch fiercely!

My Red-Eared Slider Turtle Laid Eggs, What Do I Do?

First, carefully monitor the nest daily to find the eggs (usually around noon). If you’re unsure when your turtle is laying eggs, take her temperature daily and record it in a notebook. Then, if the eggs are not found within a few days, the turtle has already laid them, and you’ll need to wait until the next breeding season to observe the eggs hatching. 

If you’re looking for something a little more interactive, you can try egg-laying simulation kits that allow you to watch eggs hatch!

Proper Handling of Red-Eared Slider Eggs 

Hatching red-eared slider eggs is an excellent way to enjoy this fascinating turtle species. Here are the steps you need to follow to make sure everything goes smoothly: 

  • Maintain an incubator temperature of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the eggs hatch successfully. 
  • Keep an eye on your eggs and remove any predators that might come near them, as they can become injured if attacked. 
  • Red-eared slider turtles lay their eggs between late May and early July in most parts of the U.S. – so you will know when they have started hatching! Once the eggs have hatched, please provide them with food and water until they are ready to fend for themselves in their habitat: a nest made out of moist soil or mosses.