How to Breed a Pet Turtle

Turtles make interesting pets for people of all ages. Believe it or not, these little guys are actually quite friendly and social when used to their environment and breed easily in captivity. If you want to breed a pet turtle you can do so at home without any special property or licensing. Breeding your pet turtle gives you the ability to witness nature in progress as well as provide your friends or the local pet store with baby turtles for fun or profit.

Things You'll Need

• 1 bale of hay
• 1 large cardboard box
• 2 turtles

Step 1

Set up a box nest. The box should be about 3 feet deep by 3 feet wide. Turn it over on its side so the turtles can walk in and out of it at will.

Step 2

Tear up the bale of hay and stuff it into the box. This serves as nesting substrate for your female turtle.

Step 3

Introduce your female turtle to the male turtle casually. Just sit her around him and let them socialize on their own. Separate them if they show signs of aggression, which include nipping and turning each other over onto their backs. Reintroduce them to one another frequently for a span of two weeks if they do show signs of aggression; However, turtles aren't that aggressive when it comes to the opposite sex. They like to breed.

Step 4

Place both turtles in the box together, to introduce them to the hay bed. They'll munch on the hay and get acquainted with each other in the nest. Before long, you will notice the male climbing onto the back of the female. He will stretch his head out of his shell in a very obvious sign of enjoyment. It doesn't take much to get a male turtle to breed with a female.

Step 5

Observe the female for nine to 10 weeks. Within this time she will drop a clutch of eggs. Make sure the hay and box nest is located somewhere warm and quiet; away from disturbances such as a porch or backyard. If the female lays her eggs in the nest, which is normal, she will naturally take to nesting with her clutch.