General Care Discussion :: do female turtle shows any signs before laying the egg?

[RESCHIU]

I have a red year slider for almost 5 years, and I'm becoming more aware of chances of my turtle to lay egg. Do they show any sign before they want to lay egg? I know I should prepare sandy dirt for them, is it ok that I don't place nesting area together inside the swimming tank?(don't want tank to get messy with the dirt), can I create the nestying area seperatly and take her out several times aday? thanks.

[rocketright]

Yes you can place her in it when you see her kicking her back legs lots and then you can put her in the egg laying area.

[RESCHIU]

hum, I did see her kicking her own tail sometimes, but I always thought it's the sigh of constipation? she still eats and basks a lot and swim too, poops everyday with no sign of illness, I'm so confused , I really don't want to loose my baby because of nesting issues....

[SpotsMama]

Here's some more info on the subject. That kicking of the back legs is one of the signs people report most often.

http://www.redearslider.com/reproduction.html

[marisa]

Kicking the tail is a sign of constipation. A gravid female will make digging motions with the hind legs like she wanted to dig a nest. A gravid female will also lose her appetite.

[RESCHIU]

my turtle's appetite is super well now, so I guess i won't have to worry about it yet? Thanks for replying.