A turtle made a nest and laid eggs in my yard what do i do?

Question

This happened last year too in a different part of my yard. But today she laid them at the edge of our patio in the grass. The problem is that in 3-4 weeks we are having the paito replaced and made bigger which means stamped concrete is going where the nest is. Is there a way I can dig up the nest and move it without damaging it or causing any problem to the eggs (hatching in a few months?? What should I do wildlife lovers?????

I seriously can not wait -the contract is signed for the work and I am not going to have the contractor wait three months. He can only fit me in during a certain time period. I need to know if the sooner I move the nest the better. Like tomorrow- if I dig far enough around it and move the whole clump without disturbing the eggs will it work????? I can find a better area in my yard where there is not much foot traffic.

Answer 1

If you're going to relocate the eggs, please do NOT rotate them or change their position. Unlike bird eggs, turtle eggs need to stay in one position throughout the incubation period.
You can try putting them in a container filled with sand, and add more sand to cover them. Then place the container in an undisturbed place where the amount of sunlight and direct sun exposure is approximately the same as they have now. All you can do afterwards is wait; make sure that the substrate doesn't get too dry (keep it under similar conditions as your yard has now). Incubation will last a few months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

I have to be honest: there are not many chances that these eggs will develop normally and/or hatch, but if they're going to pave the yard, that's about their best opportunity.
Of course, if there is any wildlife rescue unit near your place, you should contact them.

Remember: do not rotate the eggs or move them any more than it's strictly necessary.
Good luck!

Answer 2

The only thing you can do if you can't wait long enough for them to hatch is to call the reptile department at your local zoo and they will tell you what to do with the eggs or hopefully they will take them and put them in a special incubator till the eggs hatch and take care of them or call a petshop or reptile breeder as a last resort that breeds and sells reptiles and might have a incubator to hatch the eggs, But I would try the zoo first.

Answer 3

There is a way to relocate the nest, but it's not exactly safe. I once saw some show where some people relocated some nests to better spots. I don't remember how they did it though. Maybe you could contact some sort of animal group or something in the area and see if they know what to do about it or will move them for you.

Answer 4

Fleigen has the right idea about fencing. Dogs dig up the eggs. So do skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Do not, however, disturb the eggs not allow other people to do so. It is too easy to kill the embryos. I might be able to get away with it but I got my Ph.D. working on turtles. It is unlikely that someone from a resue or animal control group knows what to do. Just be patient for 2-3 months.

Answer 5

Are their any local wildlife conservation groups in your area or state that you can call? They might be able to advise you. Try doing a search online, it should come up with something.

Answer 6

Oh that would be so cool to see in someones yard. I wouldn't know how you would do it safely, good luck.....Is there a colleg in your area you could call the science teacher and they may be able to assist you? Just a thought. Good luck.

Answer 7

i think you should move the nest but be careful i mean the mom turtle has abandoned them and she is not planning on returning and the embroyos wont notice the change..the end

or u can always eat them!! jkkk

Answer 8

actually yes you could move them just bury them at about the same depth as they originally were and be careful not to damage them.

Answer 9

go for the zoo or some resuce/save animals organization

Answer 10

Let nature go its course, and re-desighn your back yard later.