2 1/2 yr old slider, eggs?

Toddrickfl1

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Anyone know how old do sliders have to be til they're mature? I have a female that hatched February 2016, she's about 8". For a few days she's frantically trying to get out of the pond and shows no interest in food. She's been getting out on the basking rock and kicking her back legs almost like she's trying to scratch her tail. In fact she's done it so much she's rubbed her feet raw on the rock and they started to bleed a little. Is it possible she wants to dig a nest at such a young age?
 

Yvonne G

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Age is not as important as size. Sounds to me like you need to put this poor turtle in some dirt. My sister had a RES in a large tub with only a brick as a landing. Whenever the turtle became restless my sister would put her out into the box turtle enclosure, where the turtle dug a nest and deposited her infertile eggs in it.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Age is not as important as size. Sounds to me like you need to put this poor turtle in some dirt. My sister had a RES in a large tub with only a brick as a landing. Whenever the turtle became restless my sister would put her out into the box turtle enclosure, where the turtle dug a nest and deposited her infertile eggs in it.
Thanks Yvonne, I did put her in a small tote last night with a few inches of potting soil. Didn't see any eggs or evidence of digging this morning but when I get home today I'll put her back in it for another day and see.
 

Toddrickfl1

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I'm going to modify the pond this weekend so there's a land area with dirt they can get out and nest in. I wasn't expecting them to be mature for a couple more years.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Well congrats... are they possibly fertile??
Yes possibly. I had a male, unfortunately he either escaped or got taken by a predator about a month ago before I built the new pond indoors. The other male I have is far too young.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Sitting in the same spot this morning with a hole dug but no eggs. Going to leave her again today.
 

Toddrickfl1

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I know you are probably on top of this, but just in case... Be sure the temperature is good down there where she is sitting to lay eggs. I'd try to keep her 80° - 85°
I'm not really sure of the temp. It's in my basement, it's not insulated and the temps outside lately have been in the mid 90s but it does stay cooler down there. If she didn't lay any when I get home today I'll try setting up a che above it on a thermostat.
 

Toddrickfl1

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I know you are probably on top of this, but just in case... Be sure the temperature is good down there where she is sitting to lay eggs. I'd try to keep her 80° - 85°
I don't get it yesterday she dug a nice little hole about 6" and was sitting with her back side over it so I left her in the tub all night. This morning when I checked she was in the same spot, no eggs. This afternoon when I got home she had moved but I dug around and no eggs. I put her back in the pond and observed her for about 30 minutes and she's acting normal and even eating again. Am I missing something?
 

C. Nelson

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I don't get it yesterday she dug a nice little hole about 6" and was sitting with her back side over it so I left her in the tub all night. This morning when I checked she was in the same spot, no eggs. This afternoon when I got home she had moved but I dug around and no eggs. I put her back in the pond and observed her for about 30 minutes and she's acting normal and even eating again. Am I missing something?

Maybe the temp wasn't just right so she's waiting.
 

Lrodmyre

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I don't think you have enough dirt in there, deep enough. If they hit the bottom, they won't lay there. Turtles can be very picky where to lay. I have at least 15 inches of dirt and sand. Also the dirt should be just wet enough so it doesn't cave back in when she is digging. I have some sand mixed in with mine. The che will help also. When turtles are looking to lay they bob their heads up and down on the ground looking for the right spot. They are looking for humidity and warmth for their eggs. I think you are getting there. Just tweak it a little more. If this is her first time, she may dig a few holes before she actually lays them.

You can check for eggs in her by probing your fingers right in front of her rear legs. You will feel bumps. Be very careful though so you don't rupture them. You will know when she actually laid them when you don't feel bumps anymore when you feel in front of her rear legs. Hope this helps. It's great fun to have your own turtle lay eggs!
 

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