redearslider.com

i have 2 turtles, 1 male and 1 female, ive noticed that lately the male tries the mating ritual described here (claws vibrating in front of female) quite often, i also read that if the female gets pregnant and she's unable to lay the eggs its necessary to take her to a vet and get an injection, how do i know if my turtle's pregnant? thanks guys

martin

Female turtles will lay eggs with or without a male present. There must be a nesting area where your female turtle can get to without trouble if you own a female turtle that is mature or there will be health trouble should she retain her eggs (fertilized or non-fertilized). Here's a website that discusses how to build a suitable nesting area:

Tortoise Trust

How big are your turtles? (Shell lengths without the curve of the shells)

ah, i didnt know that female turtles would lay non-fertilized eggs. the male turtle is 3.25" long and the female turtle is 3.5" long, should i worry about the female turtle laying eggs now?

I took a quick look at that nesting site and it sure is a time investing process, ill have to figure something out. thanks for your help

martin

How old are your turtles? They may not be sexually mature.

Male sliders become sexually mature when they are between 2-5 years old and are about 4 inches long. Females will take longer to mature, reaching maturity when they are 5-7 years old and 6-7.5 inches long. It looks like it will be a little while before you have to worry about the nesting area.

Are you sure they are male and female respectively? Usually it isn't until they are 4 inches or more that you can tell what gender they are. Up until that time, I've heard that they can still do a lot of changing in appearance.

i think they are about 1.5 years old, the one i think is the male has longer claws on its front legs and a considerably longer tail compared to the one i think is the female turtle

the measurement i gave you earlier was length, does width matter?

Sounds like your turtles are a little young. Our female was a good 7 inches long before she laid her eggs and 4 years old.

I think you have a little while to wait for eggs.

I have 2 turts..both supposedly females (but told both were males when I got them...I'm agreeing with these guys here they are both females)
Bob is 14 yrs old and 7" big.
Sheldon is 2 yrs old and 7" big.
Neither have shown an interest in breeding, egg laying or anything.
Should I be worried now?
Holly