Justation Period for Terrapin carolina

Question
6-26-2008
We live in Decatur, Mississippi [25 miles west of Meridian].  My friend Glenda, next door has found a Terrapin in her yard.  She took it to the woods next to our lake three times.  She kept coming back to Glenda's yard.
Smart Terrafin, we are animal lovers.  

We were visiting last week went we saw the Terrapin lay about 12 eggs.  How long will it take before they hatch?  Glenda wants to protect the babies from the BIG lawn mowers and other critters that may harm the babies.

The answer will tell us when to watch for the babies.  Any other information on how to protect them would also be helpful.

Thanks so much in advance,
Candy and Glenda

Answer
Hello Candy and Glenda, are you reffering to the Diamondback Terrapin?

Found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondback_terrapin


The time between when they were laid and the time the hatch is approximately 60 days.

You can build something around it, or put stakes in the ground with little colored flags around it, so people think to stay clear. You can use sticks and "rope" it off.

When she laid her eggs did she dig many holes or just the one? If there is more then one then it is likely they are safer.

Just a reminder that females will lay eggs every year multiple times a year with or without mating with a male. The eggs laid when they havent mated will be infertile and never hatch. So if she hasn't mated then they wont hatch. But good luck
Yexalen