How do I build a nesting area for my RES?

Question

I have a red ear slider that I think is gravid. What's the best combo of sand, soil and water? She hasn't eaten in a week and the male keeps doing his mating dance. Her back end is swollen and she's basking more and more. I have a big plasic container to put the nesting area, just need to know the right combination of sand, soil and water. Thanks

I visit RedEarSlider.com on a regular basis. She's not laying the eggs, i'm going to have to take her to the vet and have her induced. I don't want them to bind and make her sick or kill her.

Thank you to all who answered, I took Tessa to the vet today, she was x-rayed, she does not have eggs, yet she's showing all the symptoms. Hhhmmm, the vet's even stumped. We believe that she believes she's got eggs. She hasn't eaten in a month, I might have to go get her a couple feeder fish, maybe she's mad because I haven't gotten her any in a while. She's such a diva. lol

I asked the vet to guess at her age, he's guessing 4 or 5 years old. Duncan is older. But it's just a guess, because of their past living conditions it's hard to say. I found them in a 5 gallon tank together with 2 inches of water. It was quite sad.

Answer 1

False pregnancies are not uncommon, in any species. And a reptile will sometimes lay eggs even when they are not viable. You do not say how old your slider is, a male reaches sexual maturity @ age 3, a female needs to be 11 or 12. This activity may just be "foreplay', a dress rehersal ,so to speak, if she is getting close to sexual maturity, She may even nest, with or without eggs. The only suggestion I would have to the preperations you have already made it to mix some vermeculite in with the soil mixture you have prepared. It absorbs alot of moisture and will keep eggs from rotting due to fungus and mildew.

Answer 2

As long as it is easy to dig in, and very lightly damp, the exact mix does not matter. Most people use a combination of top soil, sand, and leaf mulch but just sand and mulch will work if needed.

Understand, however, that captive Red-ears often refuse to use nesting boxes- especially their first time. If they lay in water, let it- but the eggs will not be fertile.

Try the site http://www.redearslider.com for more ideas.

Answer 3

I would talk to a vet they usually can answer these questions and will even give you guidelines on how to set it up. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I would go to the nearest pet store and ask the manager.

Answer 5

thanx 4 the points!!!