when we got home yesterday there were 10 turtle eggs in some long long grass in our little temporary turtle enclosure! we have already had the discussion that these may not end up being a group of hatchlings. but we are still quite excited! we consulted a local turtle expert and have decided to leave the nest alone, burying it carefully in some light soil - as giselle should have... checking it for wee ones around the middle of october. (i was surprised how long it all takes.) then we will see...
we should have expected something. she has been acting strangely for the last month or so. being very picky about what she eats.
(eating the worm but leaving her veggies!) and digging up the yard. not really knowing anything about turtles we thought this may just be her thing. and now we know better. she may be a mama!
anyone have any experience with this?
this coupled with the fact that we received a fantastic cd of kids music and an even more fantastic box of beads (some homemade shrinky-dink ones that the big bug is swooning over) from the very generous urchins yesterday(thank you thank you jennifer! the kids' music swap really showed me how generous and talented this community is!) and then the house three doors down had a small electrical fire (just minor damage to the house exterior thank goodness) this morning resulting in six (wow!!) firetrucks and two paramedics parking outside our door, has made for a couple of very excited bugs - and one mama who couldn't resist the pull of the post! (thank you firemen for being so quick and taking care of our dear - elderly - neighbors so thoughtfully!)
8 comments:
Tracy,
you have so inspired me.... and these are wonderful... good luck with the eggs I know the girls will be excited to hear / read about them.
as for the gestation period.... turtles do not move that fast why would you expect speed anywhere else?
that's amazing tracy-- the girls must be thrilled (regardless of the outcome). fantatic picture.
it is indeed a fantastic picture, eliot would be hopping up and down like crazy if we had a mama turtle and eggs over here. and i think he would fall over at the prospect of six firetrucks.
quite exciting things happening! glad your neighbors are ok. turtle eggs!! it will be exciting to see if you'll have little ones. xo shari
Jack's with Eliot on this one- he'd probably faint if all that happened at once!
I can't wait to hear if the eggs hatch.
oh my giselle. she's a momma, well, a potential momma. if there's no mr. turtle around, I'm guessing those eggs won't be babies? is that right? this could make for some great family conversations in your house!! :)
i hope you get turtle babes... how cool!!
so with further investigation the deal is that the eggs may or may not be fertile. sliders regularly lay clutches of eggs. they carry the eggs for a couple of months before laying them. we have had giselle for just under two months. not sure what she was up to before she came home with us! we will see... in any case it is exciting!
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