Picture comingBreeding the big-headed turtle
In Hong Kong, gravid females were found in late June and laid eggs in early July in leaf litter beside the stream; larger females lay more eggs.
Step by step
Pair.
Large aquaterrarium with land.
Winter cooling.
Average 3 eggs per clutch (range 2-8), about 36 x 21 mm; incubation about 103-110 days.
Hatchlings are fully independent: house them in shallow warm water with a basking spot and feed small pellets, worms and daphnia daily.
- Undersized tank and weak filtration
- No UV or basking heat (soft shells, poor growth)
- Releasing unwanted turtles into the wild
Male or female
Adult males have the vent beyond the rear edge of the shell (longer tail base) and a slightly more concave plastron; males can grow larger than females.
Can I breed it in my tank?
- Good for a first breeding project.
Day-by-day plan
Typical for frogs, newts and turtles
- Day 0Eggs
Needs a special setup. Read the species guide first.
A general guide for this breeding type. Days change with temperature and species.
Simulator: guided
Needs a special setup. Read the species guide first.
Simulator: try it yourself
Set up a virtual breeding tank and see what would likely happen.
- Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.
An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.