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During the entire summer, no baby turtle ever emerged from the spot where I saw a (painted) turtle laying eggs for the first time and in my yard (Link). When I saw that fall temperatures would finally be here after two weeks of warm weather and rains (when baby turtles are more likely to leave the nest) and they still didn't show up, I thought it was time to dig to see if they hatched. The herpetologist warned me that I could find them all dead, but, in case I found them alive and wanted to increase their chances of survival, I could raise them indoors. It was an exciting surprise to count nine perfect baby turtles, which I didn't expect since I only saw the turtle mother laying seven eggs. The herpetologist was also surprised to hear the news, especially knowing that our summer had been quite hot and fairly rainless but I told him that I had watered the area many times to cool down the soil and provide moisture for the eggs. It worked! Can you imagine how much amusement it has been to have ten baby turtles (nine plus one that hatched from incubation) in a terrarium in the house? :-)