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Breeding / Frogs, newts and turtles
Common musk turtle
Frogs, newts and turtles · Easy

Breeding the common musk turtle

Lays a few brittle-shelled eggs in a nest on land, up to three times in the May-July season.

Full species page

Step by step

Pairing

Buy a pair of adults.

Breeding tank

A shallow tank with a nesting area.

What starts it

A cool winter then warm spring.

Eggs and young

Usually 2-5 eggs per clutch (range 1-9); hatch in about 60-90 days.

Raising the fry

Hatchlings eat insects and pellets.

Common mistakes
  • Deep water
  • No nest site
  • Dirty water

Male or female

Males have a large, thick tail ending in a small spine (claw), with the vent beyond the shell edge; females have a short tail.

Can I breed it in my tank?

  • Good for a first breeding project.

Day-by-day plan

Typical for frogs, newts and turtles

  1. 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

Stage 1 of 1Eggs

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.

No spawning
  • Without live or frozen food the parents aren't in breeding condition.

An educational estimate from the breeding rules, not a promise.