Unlock the secrets of breeding Bog Turtles as we break down everything from egg laying to hatchling care. In this episode, Wendy chats with Raul Gonzalez about the challenges and rewards of working with one of North America’s rarest and most coveted turtle species.
Raul pulls back the curtain on his breeding program, sharing everything from the subtle signs of nesting to the critical ”penny-sized” hatchling care that follows. Discover the surprising maturation rates of captive females, the visual cues for sexing these animals, and why patience is the ultimate tool in a breeder’s kit.
In this episode, we cover:
- Maturity & Sexing: How captivity accelerates maturity compared to the wild and the visual differences between males and females.
- Breeding Triggers: The simple approach to introducing pairs after brumation.
- Nesting & Incubation: Recognizing the ”pacing” signs of a gravid female and the specific incubation methods Raul uses to avoid mold transfer.
- Hatchling Care: The ”shoebox” setup strategy for tiny hatchlings and getting them started on food.
- The Breeder’s Mindset: Why passion, not profit, must drive the preservation of this species.
Connect with Raul: Find Raul Gonzalez in the TTPG Facebook Group or message him directly on Instagram and Facebook for questions about breeding and raising bog turtles.
Not a TTPG member yet? Join us! The Turtle and Tortoise Preservation Group is full of the kindest, most knowledgable and FUN turtle people on the planet!