Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:15 pm
Okay, here are some answers:
"I understand that she will leave our pond to lay them." - You should have a perimeter set up such that your turtle CANNOT leave the pond, other than to a land area. Beyond that, there should be a wall to keep predators out and the turtle from leaving permanently.
"Will she come back?" - Depends, though probably not likely if she leaves the yard.
"Do eggs definitely produce baby turtles?" - Only if she has had contact with a male, otherwise, they are just like chicken eggs. It is best that they are destroyed after laying, whether babies are expected or not. Rotting eggs are unpleasant.
"Is it possible the babies might also be attracted to our pond?" - Again, depends, though not likely. They may end up being eaten by local wildlife, run over in the street, die of starvation, etc.
Basically, you do not want your turtle leaving your yard. If she has had contact with a male, she may lay fertile eggs. However, RES are overpopulated, and it is suggested to destroy the eggs. Unless you can care for 20+ babies per clutch (that's 10 gallons per inch of shell, for 20 babies, that could be 2400 gallons per clutch ...), you should find the eggs and destroy them. In some states, it is illegal to allow the eggs to come to term anyways.
Could you tell us more about your turtle and setup? Oh, and we LOVE pictures!
JAX
- - -
Baby Boy - January 9th, 2011! (3 months old)
1 RES - 7" long - Umi (3.5 years old)
1 black lab/hound mix - Josie (1.5 year old)
2 cats - Mysti and Molly (6.5 years old)
