Habitat - Indoor :: What do we need to do for turtles that may be breeding?

[jasmar]

[color=indigo]
Hi, we are extremely new to turtling and were given a pair of turtles with the tank, filter, lights etc. We noticed right off that they are ummm very much in love. We are going to build a basking area for them but I was wondering - how do we need to design it for her to lay eggs. At the rate they are going I am thinking it won't be long. Should their basking area have sand or does it matter? I have no idea how any of this works since we are soooo new to this but I want to be prepared. If someone can shed some light I would really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Margarita[/color]

[Raphulk]

did you look at the res basic care section?

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


that will have most of the info about gravid turtles (pregnant)
although some may be able to shed more light on the matter, but I have none since I have a male turtle.


about the basking area. a standard area does not require sand. In fact I have only seen few basking areas that have sand.

all you need is a solid, safe platform that can withstand the weight of the turtle without breaking or sinking.


here's mine just to paint a picture:

That is called an above tank basking area, or ATBA
that white material that looks like a fence is called eggcrate or lightdiffuser (found at local hardware stores, home depot and such)


and here it is standing on the tank. ATBA

[jasmar]

Thank you! There is a lot of helpful information here.

I like your tank. I saw some pictures of what others have done and we went to Home Depot last night to get everything (hopefully!) we need to create the basking area.

Margarita