My mom got me these two red eared slider turtles when they were babies 2 years ago. Recently (like an hour ago) the female has been running around the tank pushing stuff around and digging. Is it possible for her to be pregnant after only 2 years?
2007-01-29 11:11:53 · 4 answers · asked by Nicoli B 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Sure is. My RES laid eggs for the first time about that age. It's early but in captivity, there's always the chance. Funny thing is, I don't have a male turtle in the tank.
There is also a chance she's just bored or looking for food. Turtles shovel dirt and move things around all the time. Get used to rearranging your tank daily. :) It's one of the joys of turtle ownership.
Oh, and if she does lay eggs, make sure they don't stay in the water, or the eggs will drown.
2007-01-29 12:37:57 · answer #1 · answered by alt21moke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sexual maturity is linked to size more than age. If your turtle is around 6 1/2 inches or bigger, she could be ready to lay eggs:
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
It would be more typical if she was looking for a place to lay the eggs on land, though. Maybe she's looking for food she & your other turtle missed!
2007-01-29 15:20:35 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Red-ears usually hit sexual maturity at about 4" long or about 4 years old. There are no signs of pregancy like digging or nest-making. Any nest would be made on dry land anyway.
Digging is a sign of:
- hunger, looking for more food
- boredom, looking for a way out
Try http://www.redearslider.com for more info on this species.
2007-01-30 08:19:42 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is, but sometimes turtles just like to dig so it is not definate that its pregnant
2007-01-29 12:39:01 · answer #4 · answered by Han Solo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋