Other Turtle Discussion :: Is it possible

[daredevilgirl013]

Ok I'm just wondering, since I might possibly have a female turtle (about 75% sure) is it possible to have a turtle fixed so that she cannot lay eggs at all and how much does it cost?

[jenaero]

I've never heard of that but even if it were possible I wouldn't risk unnecessary surgery. jmho

[daredevilgirl013]

I wouldn't see it as unnecessary to stop the turtle from having eggs all the time. Saves me from having to build a nesting site in the long run and having to worry about when the eggs might come etc etc. So it would save me a lot of hassle and money in the long run. Also maybe if I got her fixed, the aggression level would go down.

[kayla_2305]

i doubt if its possible but i dont really know

[steve]

Surgery would more difficult for your turtle than for you having to make a nesting area. I was quite excited watching my turtle make a nest and laying eggs for the first time.

[marisa]

Surgery would be quite expensive (and why would you want to put your turtle though it?).

[DanielRES1180]

Kinda reminds me of the people with fighting dogs who cut the dog's ears just to make them sharp so they can fight. Don't know why, it's illegal anyway (making dogs fight).

I now think I have a male and possibly a female, can't make much of the other one yet, but even if it were possible I wouldn't waste so much money, especially when it almost cost me an arm with the last upgrade (I don't have much money anyway). I'll find it way cheaper to buy a bag of compost, grab some leveling sand off the bags in my backyard and do something with it. Wouldn't want the turt going through anything anyway.

[daredevilgirl013]

The reasons I would want to put my turtle through it is because

1. It is possible that maybe just maybe if she had surgery this would stop her serious aggression.

2. It would save me money in the long run for building a nesting site.

3. It would save me room.

4. Which is room I don't have!!

5. I wouldn't have to worry about when she might possibly have eggs and if I'm not home what would happen if she were to have eggs in the water or not get all of her eggs out.

6. I'd never have to worry about eggs.

7. She's never going to be with a mate so why even bother with having eggs. That's like letting a dog go into heat when it doesn't need to be.

[sonyj]

I feel that it's more for your convenience than for her good. As owners we should want what's best for our turtles and that includes dealing with what is natural for them to do. It is natural for a female turtle to lay eggs and we should be the ones that must accommodate our needs and schedule to this. Not to force our turtle into doing something very unnatural so we can be more comfortable. Just my opinion... because if Koopa turns out to be a girl I would have to look into building or supplying a nesting area even though it wouldn't be fun for me to build or make room for.

[jenaero]

I should have been more clear. What I meant by 'unnecessary' was that it was not necessary for her health, etc. It may make it more convenient for you, but I personally wouldn't risk it.

[Boogerbutt02]

If you feel you can not take on this responsiblity of a female turtle take her to a rescue right now and not even bother with any more turtles... They are responsiblity for you to take care of them... I have a female turtle and I also have I female dog who is not fixed... It is actually good for a female dog to go into at least one heat if not more... Your other pets seem to fit your budget and your space, a turtle does not...

Your stated "I wouldn't have to worry about when she might possibly have eggs and if I'm not home what would happen if she were to have eggs in the water or not get all of her eggs out."

She would be able to do everything herself, because nature would happen, I don't think there would be much for you to do...

Take my advice and find a new home for your "unwanted" problem...

[daredevilgirl013]

She isn't an unwanted problem. If she was unwanted I would have gotten rid of her a long time ago. I'm just trying to consider when she gets older, her serious aggression problem, how my jobs may affect who will take care of her in the future when I have to travel, etc etc.

If she cannot lay eggs, then I won't have to worry about her possibly having to lay eggs when I'm gone. And it isn't good for a turtle to lay eggs in water, which is another reason why I'm worried because that isn't good for a turtle to lay eggs in water and not get her eggs out because this is a known problem, so therefore nature wouldn't be allowed to work properly because nature wouldn't be kicking in because she would have her eggs in water, not on land.

As for my budget yeah she takes up a bit more compared to everyone else. She takes up a good chunk with the foods and supplies she need. So yeah it is expensive when everyone else costs under 3 dollars a week compared to a turtle who costs over 30 a week.

So yeah it is expensive, yeah I don't have the room at the moment because one. I don't live in my own house. two..there is no room right now for a big huge tank with a nesting area in it. So yeah the room thing is a problem at the moment but my turtle is almost 4 inches and so I'm hoping that she won't have eggs anytime soon.

I was just thinking that getting her fixed would save a lot of headaches, problems, and educating future caretakers when I travel for my job on how to take care of her especially if she decides to have eggs while I'm gone. And like I said it might curb her aggression problems and make her stop biting everyone. It was just an idea. Not something to get all upset about. Which is what a lot of you are doing. Sorry I want to get my turtle fixed but there is no real purpose behind her having eggs, especially when she has no mate and the eggs will go to waste.

[DanielRES1180]

As I said, it is cheaper just to mix a bunch of sand with compost and keep it in a pot or something to have at hand when you need it. Just know how to grab your turtle from behind, as steve said- or come up with your own way of holding her so she can't injure you. Remember the surgery is just a theory... if it doesn't work it'll be money down the drain.

[Boogerbutt02]

I did not mean to offend you "Daredevilgirl013." Nor I am getting upset... I am just concerned for your turtle... And so should you be. As you have stated you travel and have others watching your turtle, this in mind opinion suggests that you don't have the time for a turtle...

As for her aggression problems, these would most likly go away if the numerous caretakers go away... As others have stated turtles are shy and do not like numerous people... My female hides when anyone but me enters her room... The less people that handle and care for your turtle the less people she will have the chance to bite.

[daredevilgirl013]

She hasn't been handled by numerous people yet, only by me and my parents, but if I get this new job, I will be traveling about every other month for two weeks at a time and if no one is around to take care of her then she's going to have to stay with someone else for two weeks that probably doesn't know how to take care of turtles. So that's one of my reasons why I am worried.