General Care Discussion :: Eggs???

[Skarn359]

I have a single female RES that has never laid eggs in the 8 years I have had her but is always showing signs that she has to. She has never been to a vet so idk if there are eggs even there. When I cleaned her tank last I took her outside at our new house,we don't have grass yet, she was digging around in the mud and mulch like she was making a nest or something however she was outside for 2 hours with me watching her and it was like she couldn't decide on a spot. She dug like 5 holes . I brought her back in and she hasn't been out since. I have no idea what to do .

[SpotsMama]

Here's some reading on the subject:

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

A vet can xray and tell if there are eggs in a turtle. If a turtle needs to lay but can't, a vet can administer medication to help her to lay. This would be done only as a last resort but it could be a lifesaver.

Lots of turtles seem to have false starts when trying to lay. Here's some threads on a champion egg layer. Please don't let these scare you - this turtle is NOT typical. Most lay a few eggs and then are done for 6 months or a year. I like this series though because it gives a good feel for turtle egg laying behavior. This turtle acted gravid for quite a while before she started laying, but then she layed like there was no tomorrow:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... tobi#97140

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#107562

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#108002

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#109477

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#110035

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#112932

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#113125

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#116603

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#120360

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#120787

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#123440

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... bi&start=0

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... obi#126873

[TheComputerGremlin]

Man, that must've been before I found this board, I really really hope now that I've got a boy turtle!

[steve]

It is very nerve wracking but a pretty incredible thing to witness as well.

[Boogerbutt02]

I totally agree Steve... its amazing and nerve wracking at the same time....

my female just started to lay eggs too, I had her outside everyday 8 plus hours (I had her in a spot where she could hide from the sun and no predator could get her) for like two weeks straight before she finally choose a spot to lay her 1st clutch, she still hasn't laid her thrid, but she is now outside in her pond where she can lay them whenever she chooses.... Good luck....