Breeding the ouachita map turtle
Mates in the water from early April through May (some autumn mating). From May into July females lay 2-3 clutches of about 6-15 eggs in open sandy or loose soil, usually at dusk or dawn. Eggs hatch in late summer or early autumn; embryos and hatchlings make clicking sounds in the nest.
Step by step
Pair.
Large tank with basking spot.
Winter cooling.
About 6-15 eggs per clutch in Missouri (about 19 per clutch in Illinois), 2-3 clutches a season; eggs about 35 x 22 mm, hatching in late summer or early autumn.
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
Males are much smaller (shell 7.5-14 cm vs up to 24 cm) with long front claws and the vent behind the shell rim; females are larger.
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.