The First Few Days of the Life of a Baby Sea Turtle

The temperature of the sand is the main factor influencing the development of the baby sea turtle in its egg. This means that incubation times vary. The higher the temperature of the sand where the eggs are incubated the quicker the baby develops. The cooler the temperature of the sand where the eggs are incubated the slower the baby develops.

When the baby sea turtle is ready to emerge from its egg it uses its temporary tooth (caruncle) to pierce a hole in the egg shell. The baby crawls out of its egg and finds itself in a nest underground.

Sea Turtle Nest in the sand. (Photo by Yolanda Leon)

The baby sea turtles make a collective effort to the surface where they open their eyes the the world for the first time. They will stay together in the open nest for three days. On the third night they start their journey to the big blue. 

Newly hatched baby sea turtles in the nest. (Photo by Tony Tosto)

Baby sea turtles just after hatching. (Photo by Tony Tosto)

This journey is a dangerous one as anything from sea birds to crabs as well as Turkey Vultures are waiting for an easy meal. The baby sea turtles are also hindered by shells and sticks on the sand, for a baby sea turtle these obstacles can look like mountains.

Crab, predator. (Photo by Tony Tosto)

Frigate Bird, predator. (Photo by Tony Tosto)

Turkey Vulture, predator. (Photo by Tony Tosto)

Only 5% of the baby sea turtles will survive to mate and have their own offspring. This is a serious case of survival of the fittest with a little bit of luck needed on the side. Many of the baby sea turtles will be eaten by predators on the beach. After they have made it to the water they will be faced with many other dangers such as predatory fish, the chance of getting hit by boats and they are in danger of getting tangled up in fishing nets of plastic.

The ones that do survive will be cruising on sea currents into the deep waters to escape the dangerous shore water predators. This is where the lonesome journey from hatchling to juvenile begins.

Baby Sea Turtles walking to the ocean. (Photo by Yolanda Leon)

Next up: Hatchling to Juvenile and Beyond