General Care Discussion :: Whats wrong with my turtle?

[shanyduong]

It hasn't been coming out too often, only to eat. I can't tell if its a male or female. We thought it was female, because it has dug a hole under a rock, and has been hiding in it for days.We thought it may be laying eggs(i have no idea).Plz know wats wrong.

[missibsu]

Can you provide a little more information about your set up? What size tank, how much water, basking area available, basking and water temps? How long have you had your turtle and what size is your turtle? Measurements should be taken from head to tail, shell only, without the curve.

[shanyduong]

4-5 inches, they are.... about 3 or 4 years old, one side of the take faces the sun, 10-25 gallons of water.I dont really know the size of the tank.

[missibsu]

Rule of thumb suggests 10 gallons of water per inch of shell. If your turtles are over 4 inches in length, you should be able to tell gender. Males will have long front claws and longer thicker tails. Females have shorter claws and tails.

If you have a female and she is ready to lay eggs, you must provide a nesting area. Laying eggs in the water is not an option and can cost the turtle it's life. I will add that when looking for a nesting area and there isn't one, the turtle is usually frantic and swimming against the glass, have you noticed this recently?

For the rest of the information regarding a proper set up, be sure to read through the main site www.redearslider.com and read through the stickys on the forum pages. A proper setup is important to the overall health of your turtle and lack of can be one cause for a lack of appetite.

[shanyduong]

no it hasnt been doing that, i do not know how i can provide a nesting area.

[CV Cream]

O_O My turtle swims against the glass and sometimes scratches against the rock. But she is just a baby how could she possibly be ready to lay eggs??!

[sonyj]

O_O My turtle swims against the glass and sometimes scratches against the rock. But she is just a baby how could she possibly be ready to lay eggs??!

It will be a few years before a female RES is mature enough to lay eggs. You have to wait until they are around 4 inches to find out if they a boy or girl as well.