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Hi all,
my wife and I just got back from a 5 day vacation today to find that our only turtle had layed eggs (approx 4 or 5) in her tank. What is weird is that she does not have a mate!!
The only thing out of the ordinary was that we messed up on the schedule with our neighbour to take care of our turtle so she went maybe 2 days or so without food!

Any ideas?

Pat

Mature females lay eggs without mating. She does need a nesting area, though, in case she has more to lay. The link most often given, which has some good info, is http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/Nestsites.htm

Thanks Marisa - that is a relief to know. Since I assume that the eggs are unfertalized (or else I am very confused ), can I just remove the eggs once layed?

Thanks again
Pat

yup, you can just chuck em, i say flush them down the toilet

Yes, remove them. You could check to see if she still has any in her by gently feeling the area in front of the hind legs with a finger. They'll feel like grapes.

I'd still make an easily accessible nesting area for her, though, just in case. If you haven't yet, take a look at that link...