Terrapin Breeding

The breeding nature of terrapins in captivity is different from that of turtles in feral conditions. In captivity, the maturity for mating is not determined by their age but by their size. Terrapins of breeding size are somewhat large animals, ranging from 20-30 cm (8-12 in). If you are an eager person to breed terrapins but do not know anything about it, some helpful and handy tips and guidelines are given below about terrapin breeding.

Selecting a Pair

Get a male and female terrapin that are sexually mature. Provide them an appropriate environment consisting of both land and water. Terrapins are comfortable on land but for breeding they need water. They may also find an outside environment to be natural.

Creating Suitable Environment for Mating

Terrapins appreciate an environment having both dry land and water. Though, their actual breeding will only take place in water. Make sure the habitat has the exact temperature for breeding your particular breed of terrapin. It is most convenient to get the terrapins to breed in an outdoor environment. Since it is not always possible to take your terrapins outside, you will have to be slightly tricky and imitate it. To prepare the terrapins for mating you should either let them hibernate (which entails them being outside) or separate them for 2-3 months before the breeding season (which generally takes place throughout May). This will stimulate the hibernation that habitually takes place in the wild. The instinct of terrapins to mate is triggered when they see each other again.

Marking and Storing the Eggs

Once the eggs are laid, it is necessary that you handle them with utmost care. Do not toss them over as they are fragile. Mark the top of the egg carefully to ensure this.

The next step is to store the eggs either in an incubator or in a box. Provide environmental conditions that are akin to those in the wild. If you are putting eggs in a box, fill it with at least 12 inches of damp soil or sand.

Temperature at which you are storing the eggs will in fact decide the sex of your prospect terrapins. 24 to 28 degree C or 75.2 - 82.4 degree F will fabricate male offspring, while 30 - 32 degree C or 86 - 89.6 degree F will generate females. Nevertheless, studies have found an association between higher temperatures of incubation and shell along with other irregularities.

Waiting for Terrapin Hatchlings

After storing eggs at room temperature up to about 80 degrees you will find your new terrapins commencing hatching in about 60 to 120 days. In these types of hatching, the success rate recorded is quite low. It also depends on other factors. If once these steps are followed small terrapins should be on the way.

It is interesting to note that female terrapins can store sperm for up to four years. If your terrapin female is not laying eggs immediately, she can do it in later years. Keep the baby terrapins away from the parents as the former may be attacked by the latter. Last but not the least, feed the baby terrapins a well balanced diet every day. Thus, you can enjoy the success of a diligent terrapin breeding.