Breeding the eastern mud turtle
Lays small brittle-shelled eggs on land, in or under debris or in burrows; females may nest two or three times a year.
Step by step
Buy a pair of adults.
A shallow tank with a nesting area.
A cool winter then warm spring.
2-5 eggs per clutch; hatch in about 87-104 days.
Hatchlings eat insects and pellets.
- Deep water
- No nest site
- Dirty water
Male or female
Males have a much longer, thicker tail ending in a sharp nail, with the vent beyond the shell edge; females have a short tail with the vent near its base. Both sexes have a small spine at the tail tip.
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.