General Care Discussion :: Eggs.... better to induce or?

[Lucky and Lucy Tortuga]

My Lucy is having eggs again... A few months ago I tried to have her lay them in dirt but she gave up after several attempts. I took her to the vet and had her injected with calcium to induce the process.... it was successful but I always cringe when I have to do it at the vet both because it costs $200 each visit and because I feel like it should happen naturally as much as possible.

This time around she showed the usual signs of having eggs. Bouncing around the tank trying to get out. Digging in the carpet, I could feel the eggs etc... I spent a few days with her at various spots... she dug for 8 hours during one sitting and gave up. She did it again another 2 times but no dice. She usually finds a good spot hidden under plant life and I watch from afar.

Anyway, she stopped bouncing around the tank and doesnt seem to want to have her eggs anymore. I'm a little worried about the eggs binding and causeing more complications... should I take her to the vet?

Last year this same thing happened towards the end of the season and I've read that RES can reabsorb the eggs normally... which she seemed to do last year, but I've also read other reports of the eggs binding and cause major problems even death.

I'm leaning towards a vet visit this week........ is it healthy to constantly have her induced every time?

[Melvira_Fox]

I would take her to the vet. Worrying about egg binding is more stressful to me than paying the $200.

Is there any chance she could have laid them without your knowing?

I'm not sure about the affects of inducing, but I would imagine that the risks of eggs binding or calcifying is probably more dangerous than a vet visit.

[steve]

I don't know much about reabsorption, I don't recall hearing about such a thing before.

Are you certain she didn't lay any? Did she cover up the nest?

Is it healthy to constantly induce? Probably not, but I don't think there is much of a choice as egg binding could be far worse. It sounds like she is close to getting it done, perhaps the vet can explain why she's having difficulties.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Yea i would take a trip to the vet, it better to pay the money then have the turtle wind up dead. She may reabsorb the eggs again. My res reabsorbed her eggs last year too

[Lucky and Lucy Tortuga]

I don't know much about reabsorption, I don't recall hearing about such a thing before.

Are you certain she didn't lay any? Did she cover up the nest?

Is it healthy to constantly induce? Probably not, but I don't think there is much of a choice as egg binding could be far worse. It sounds like she is close to getting it done, perhaps the vet can explain why she's having difficulties.

I can feel the eggs in her abdomen and I inspected the area she was digging, she just left the hole there, no eggs deposited.... She did reabsorb the eggs last year and has done so in the past.. but, I don't want to wind up with a dead turtle. I've been caring for my babies for 10 years now and it would break my heart. These are my babies for life. Someday they will have an outdoor pond and plenty of dirt and plant life to roam in.... but for now I consider this their college dorm years, a little cramped but not permanently so.

Lucy egg laying session from a couple years ago...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71MTEDD_v5g[/youtube]

[marisa]

I'd consult with the vet, who should be able to tell you if there are any dangers from constantly being injected with oxytocin (not calcium) to induce expelling the eggs.

Perhaps there is something in her diet that's lacking or off balance that would cause this problem?

[Lucky and Lucy Tortuga]

she's been pretty restless that last few days so I'm heading to the vet today... I feel really bad that she has to be induced so much.

Her diet is pretty much reptomin with an occasional banana...

[jozzep]

she's been pretty restless that last few days so I'm heading to the vet today... I feel really bad that she has to be induced so much.

Her diet is pretty much reptomin with an occasional banana...

What kind of dirt are you trying to make her lay in? If there are many stones and obstructions, the turtle will abandon the hole and try another until they find the right substrate. Sounds like this is whats happening.

[Lucky and Lucy Tortuga]

yeah thats probably what is happening... the dirt is moist and she's able to dig but there have been roots in her choice spots.... it's hard to find places for her living in the city. I shouldn't have turtles I know.... but I've had them 10 years now and I love them like children.

[marisa]

Re the diet---I'd vary it a lot more and include more calcium sources. Bananas are not the best choice, even as an occasional food.