Other Turtle Discussion :: mystery white goo in tank?

[steve]

Definitely read that link posted by Missi and make sure the substrate is at least 8-10 inches deep and make sure that the substrate is packed in well.

[Amooliakin]

OK - I will do so...... Should it be a private place? Should I put a heat lamp on? Should it be light or dark? Should I leave her there over night? Or should she go back in the water at some point soon?

I do apologize for not knowing anything.....

[steve]

The place should be as private as possible, though once they get in the egg laying behavior, they pretty much concentrate on it and on nothing else (at least with mine). As for heat and light... I've read that it may vary between turtles and some may have preferences. Mine laid eggs around mid-afternoon, though as soon as she is making signs of wanting to nest, then let her try. Let her try for about 30 mins, though she may not like the nesting area and you may have to re-arrange it for her to try again. Once she gets started, she can take awhile to dig the eggs, lay them and cover them. Just leave her alone until she's done.

[Amooliakin]

Thanks... I will keep giving her chances.... and keep you all posted...

[Teacher]

I am the turtle owner who originally posted the question about the mystery white goo. I still don't know what that was, but I learned my turtle is a female and will lay eggs without a male, although I don't think she is ready right now after all. I have been wondering what you ever did with your female in a New York apartment in a 20 gallon tank. Did she ever lay eggs in the box of potting soil? I don't know what I will do if mine starts showing definite signs of needing to lay eggs. I do live in the country and can take her out, but she requires constant supervision as she starts to leave (We live on 50 acres.) If your box of soil works I may be able to do that more easily when the need arises. I also have a 7 inch RES in a 20 gallon tank and my husband will not allow any bigger in the house. If I have to get a bigger tank I will have to put her in the garage and let her hibernate in the winter.
I thought my situation was a problem until I read yours. Please keep me posted as to how things are turning out for you and your RES. Teacher

[sonyj]

Teacher, whatever you have to do, do not attempt to let him hibernate. In captivity we can not provide all the required conditions for our turtles to hibernate like they need in the wild to survive the hibernation process. Many times this leads to serious consequences such as illness or death.

If you must place him in the garage I'd still provide him with heating, basking lights and an ambient air temp that would keep him healthy through the winter.

[Amooliakin]

Teacher, your post makes me laugh! You though you had a problem until you read about me.....

Well - my turtle has not laid any eggs in the box of dirt, even afer I changed it around several times. She has also not laid any more eggs in the water in the tank. And I don't see her showing signs of desperately wanting to get out and nest either.

So I am in an uneasy limbo. I don't know if the one egg was all she had in her, or if there are more in there that are going to make her sick if they don't come out.

here in NYC a trip to the vet costs $85 minimum just for a look see. I'm sure an X-ray would run into the triple digits.

I am not saying that I want the turtle to suffer. If she seems to be in any distress, I will take her to a vet no matter the cost. But at this point she seems content.

I do think though that some time within the next year or less I will start looking for a GOOD home for her with someone who knows turtles and can provide the 70 plus gallons that we surely can't fit here.

I'll let you know if anything changes.