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Horsefield turtle laid eggs in our backyard!!!

22 16:01:09

Question
Hi I have a question regarding a horsefield tortoise nest that a female laid in my backyard, not sure what to do with it. Should I contact someone or just let it naturally hatch. Also I have read that it could be 61-80 days before the eggs may hatch. We live in South Carolina, she laid the eggs yesterday morning. Thanks for all your help! Roxanne

Answer
Hi Roxanne,

I'm a little confused by your question, so if you could clarify for me it would help.  Is this Horsfield's tortoise (generally known in the US as a Russian tortoise) yours, or one that wandered in?  They are a non-native species, so if it's not yours, it may be an escaped pet.  In any case, the eggs may hatch naturally, but the hatchlings shouldn't be let loose (again, because they're a non-native species).

If you can post back and set it to *private*, I can give you my email and we can discuss this further.  I know someone in SC who is a leading expert on Russian tortoises, and if he's close enough to you he may be able to help you out, or at least give you advice on what to do.