Urgent Care :: Need Advice for Nesting spot: Gravid RES

[danstampone]

Could anyone help with good nesting conditions for a RES? i've tried sand and a vermiculite/soil mix, but she isn't laying. When she returns to her home tank, she constantly digs into the 1" gravel layer on her basking shelf. I'm worried that she may suffer from egg binding soon. she's been digging for about 12 days now.
Thanks!
Dan

[SpotsMama]

Hi there. Have you read this info? There are also links to other sites with still more infor on preparing a nest:

http://www.redearslider.com/reproduction.html

A vet could help by x-raying to see what's going on inside and administering drugs to help with the laying.

Good luck.

[steve]

How big is she? Is she digging with her hind legs? Do you have access to a yard?

[danstampone]

She is aproximately 5 1/2 half inches (shell length), and is digging with her hind legs. I don't have access to a yard, but I'm doubtful that would help right now, because we have highs only into the twenties these days, and the ground is pretty well frozen. Thanks to all for the posts, and additional help would be great!
Dan

[steve]

They can be very picky where they want to lay eggs. I have had no success getting my female RES to lay eggs inside. You can feel for the eggs by gently inserting your finger in front of the hind leg and see if you can feel 'marbles' in the abdominal cavity. BE VERY GENTLE and stop if she resists.

If you notice that she acts that way at a particular time of day, try it every day at that time... let her get used to it and become familiar with it.