General Care Discussion :: Eggs and pregnancy info needed

[speedynlucky]

Unfortunately we were unaware our RES and YBS were male and female when we got them 5 years ago. We are at the point where separating them into two bigger tanks isn't feasable with the space we have. My concern is them mating, if there is no place for the female to lay the eggs what will happen to the female? Will she die if she doesn't lay the eggs or if she doesn't have anywhere to lay them will she finally just lay them and the eggs end up dying?

[steve]

If you can't find a place for her to nest, she might expel them into the water. If she retains them, then it could cause serious health issues. http://www.redearslider.com/reproduction.html

[speedynlucky]

Oh boy.. Guess it's time to think about what to keep them in and where to keep these guys

[Mom2RES]

A female will lay eggs whether there is a male or not. The eggs would just be infertile. That being the case a female should always be watched even if there is no male.