Why Do Turtles Eat Their Babies? [Is It Natural?]
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When people first hear this, they usually think turtles are savage little monsters. But it’s not that simple.
Turtles aren’t like mammals. They don’t stick around to raise kids. Once the eggs are laid, mom’s job is done. So if you keep adults and babies together in a tank, the adults won’t see “their babies” — they’ll just see smaller, slower animals that could be food or competition.
And yes, some species will absolutely bite, injure, or even swallow hatchlings if given the chance. It’s not personal. It’s instinct.
Do Turtles Eat Their Own Eggs?
Yep. Some do.
In the wild, certain species eat reptile eggs as part of their normal diet. In captivity, if you leave the eggs with adults, they might crack them open and eat them — especially if they’re hungry or just curious.
Two big reasons it happens:
- Not enough protein in their diet — eggs are an easy, high-protein snack.
- They’ve always been egg eaters — species like snappers, sliders, and some painted turtles won’t think twice about it.
If you want the eggs to survive, separate them from the adults right after laying. Don’t give them the chance.
The Real Reasons Adults Might Eat Hatchlings
Egg eating habit
Some species, like snappers or sliders, naturally eat reptile eggs. That habit can carry over to hatchlings in captivity.
No maternal instinct
Most turtles have zero interest in protecting babies. In the wild, they’d never even meet them.
Opportunistic feeding
If something fits in a turtle’s mouth and moves, it’s worth a bite. That includes hatchlings.
Size difference and aggression
Adults can hurt hatchlings without meaning to, just by biting at food in the same space.
This Hilarious Turtle Book Might Know Your Pet Better Than You Do
Let’s be real—most turtle care guides feel like reading a textbook written by a sleep-deprived zookeeper.
This one’s not that.
Told from the snarky point of view of a grumpy, judgmental turtle, 21 Turtle Truths You’ll Never Read in a Care Guide is packed with sarcasm, sass, and surprisingly useful insights.
And hey—you don’t have to commit to the whole thing just yet.
Grab 2 free truths from the ebook and get a taste of what your turtle really thinks about your setup, your food choices, and that weird plastic palm tree.
It’s funny, it’s honest, and if you’ve ever owned a turtle who glares at you like you’re the problem—you’ll feel seen.
How to Stop It From Happening
- Separate them immediately after eggs hatch.
- Give hatchlings their own properly sized tank (20 gallons or more).
- Feed adults well so they aren’t scavenging out of hunger.
- Never assume “they’ll be fine together for a few days” — that’s how you end up with missing babies.
Before You Go
If you’re keeping hatchlings, don’t gamble on “maybe the adults will leave them alone.” They won’t.
Turtles aren’t doting parents — they’re opportunistic eaters with no family loyalty. Separate the babies from day one and you won’t wake up to a tank with fewer turtles than you had yesterday.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
