General Care Discussion :: feeling for eggs

[notoch351]

I have a feeling my turtle is carrying eggs but its not a sure thing it shows signs here and there but i need to no i read that there is a way to but its not such o good idea. but i was concered so i felt between where her tail is and her hind legs very gently and it felt hard but maybe it was to gently is that even where to feel? how long does she hold them for ?

[Rocky YBS]

you can search for the eggs in front of the hind legs.
why do you think she is gravid?
has she shown any signs of being gravid?
is there a male in the tank or pond?
how big is she?

[notoch351]

shes digging in the rocks
and trying to swim into the glass

there is a male in the tank
she is about 3 years old about 5"

[notoch351]

infort of her hind legs that is hard to get at with her ligs tucked in if i go to touch she well tuck her legs in

[DavidY]

Is she digging with her hind legs? Clawing at the rocks and glass with her front claws is totally normal. It's when they start digging at the ground with the rear legs that you should be concerned with the possibility of being gravid. Feeling for eggs is a delicate process and you need to be patient for her to relax and extend her legs. Don't try to force her.

[notoch351]

its with her hind legs and thanks for all the help

[Rocky YBS]

yeah be carefull!
if she is indeed gravid then the only way to be 100% sure is too feel for eggs.
be patient!!
if she is gravid, then you will have a handfull of turts to feed.
some say that isnt a great thing lol!

[notoch351]

ok ill check her later tonight

[DavidY]

ooo boy. Check out this info --> http://www.redearslider.com/reproduction.html

Be careful when feeling for eggs not to damage them inside the turtle. If you don't have the ability to care for the babies or find homes for them, you should just destroy the eggs after they are laid. The mother RES won't care as their is no parental instinct in these turtles. Once the eggs are laid and safely buried, their job is done.