Habitat - Indoor :: i have a few questions about eggs/nesting

[xfueledbykatie]

i have 2 females both are about 5"- 5 1/2".

i don't really know what i'm looking for when it comes to knowing if they have eggs in them and when they're ready to lay them..
what do the eggs feel like?
how do i know when its time to take them outside to lay?
what does gravid mean? lol


pleaseandthank you :]

[TheComputerGremlin]

Gravid means "with eggs", essentially.

You'll know because your turtle will be trying to escape, not the usual begging at the water surface, but really trying to escape. I believe they sometimes stop eating and basking and make it their goal to get out. Once that starts, take your female outside into the backyard (or other grassy area) and give her some space and time to dig a hole. A good time is right after it's rained or you could dampen the soil with the hose. Moist soil is good for digging, and a lot of times they want to be in a shaded or covered area, like next to your house or a bush. Just watch because they can run fast!

To check for eggs, feel the area between the tail and back legs. It will feel like a grape rolling around a bit. I think it's best to feel around there before egg time so you know what to compare with. Hope this answers your questions!

[xfueledbykatie]

ohh okay

thank you!

[SpotsMama]

Here's some really informative reading on the subject. You'll need to read read read on the subject if you've got two girl turtles:

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

And here's a thread with a real life story of a turtle that laid eggs for the first time. She's not typical because she laid so many, but it's helpful because it's got photos and tells about the difficulties of finding just the right spot to please the turtle:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... 649#168649