Male sliders become sexually mature when they are between 2 and 5 years old and are about 4 inches long. Females take longer to mature, reaching maturity when they are 5 to 7 years old and 6 to 7.5 inches long. Of course this is referring to in the wild. Our captive turtles with all conditions being perfect year round sometimes reach maturity earlier. The courtship dance will consist of the male slider stretching out his front feet, and vibrating his long claws on the female’s head and neck. And also remember that a mature female RES needs a permanent nesting area that she can access to lay eggs. Female RES will lay eggs even if they haven't been fertilized by a male RES. Here's a link explaining nesting areas:
Tortoise Trust
Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 6:03 am