Retrospective Analysis of Hatchling Success From Chelonian Eggs at a North Carolina Wildlife Clinic 2010 to 2023

The success rate of deposited and harvested chelonian hatchlings between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Turtle Rescue Team. These data were analyzed to determine factors that may influence hatchling success including species, month of incubation, mother's status upon arrival, and the mother's presenting complaint. This study includes all wild chelonian species found in North Carolina that have presented as adult, gravid females over a 13-year period. These species include common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), painted turtles (Chrysemys spp.), yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta), cooters (Pseudemys spp.), eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), eastern mud turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum), common musk turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Overall, there were a total of 2453 chelonian eggs and of those, 954 (38.9%) hatched. The greatest egg count numbers were recorded from common snapping turtles (703/2453, 28.7%), eggs collected in May (1300/2453, 53.0%), eggs that were collected from patients euthanized on arrival (1084/2453, 44.2%), and eggs that came from mothers presenting for vehicular trauma (1891/2453, 77.1%). Trauma did not significantly impact overall hatch rates, except for snapping turtles with vehicle-related injuries (p = 2.53e-08). Eastern Box Turtles had significantly lower hatch ratios (p = 0.000157), while aquatic turtles, such as musk and yellow-bellied sliders, fared better under current incubation protocols (p = 0.079 and p = 0.062, respectively). Results of this study represent opportunities to improve hatchling success and rearing under human care by understanding the major factors that contribute to their success.