How do I keep turtle eggs safe?

Question

I live on a lake and last summer several times the turtles laid their eggs in my yard in the morning. Later on in the day they were dug up. We have raccoons around but also alot of chipmunks. Since this happened during the day I believe the chipmunks are the culprits. A turtle was laying her eggs in the sand today. Any ideas on how to keep predators away from the eggs? Last year I sprinkled red pepper around the area but that didn't discourage them.

Answer 1

I think putting some type of protective barrier over the nest is your best option. It would have to be sunken into the sand around the nest somewhat and weighted down. Chicken wire or hardware cloth (which is actually a rigid metal screen) are two possibilities, perhaps an old bird cage?. Ideally the gauge of the screen or cage would keep predators out but still allow the hatchlings to leave when the time came. If that is not possible you would need to do at least daily checks on the nest to release the hatchlings.

Answer 2

They sell this stuff called "Squirrel Away" I live in virginia, and they sell it at southern states, a farm supply store. It works ok, but doesnt keep all the squirrels off of my peach tree. you can buy live traps and bait them with peanut butter, then deal with the chipmunks as you like, most people would relocate them, since you live by a lake I'd use them for catfish bait myself, i like turtles, and they don't eat flower bulbs, they will take a bite out of a tomato fruit though. if you really want to keep them safetry putting a couple of sonic emitters in the yard there, and some d-con rat poison, would help, but you'd hurt desirable animals too, so the live traps are your best bet