how long does it take for a turtle egg to hatch?

Answer 1

Depends on the species of turtle as well as environmental condition in which the eggs are laid, but here are some examples:

Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina): 8-10 weeks
Pig Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta): 90-120 days
Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macroclemys temminckii): 11-16 weeks
Roti Island Snake Necked Turtle (Chelodina mccordi): 90-180 days

Answer 2

Without knowing the species, we can only give generalities:

Most eggs hatch in 2-4 months. The extremes are 20 days to almost a year. The key factors are humidity and temp.

Eggs are often infertile, especially with young or stressed turtles.

Watch your eggs. If any of these happen, discard them:
- eggs were laid in water or not buried
- eggs are collapsing or getting soft and mushy
- eggs are turing black (turning brown is common and OK)
- eggs stink, like rotten eggs (see if it is only one or two eggs)

As long as they are in a safe, warm, humid place; look 'plump', don't smell rotten, etc., then leave them alone.

See http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for more ideas.