My map turtle is pregnant and can't lay eggs. What should I do?

A gravid (pregnant) RES is very particular about the site she chooses to lay her clutch of eggs. Substrate, temperature, lighting and humidity all play roles in selection. Follow the link for information regarding mating, egg laying and incubation. http://www.redearslider.com/reproduction.html Gestation is about 8 weeks after mating. If it has been longer, TeTe should be examined by your herp veterinarian. An injection can be given to stimulate laying. If you are not set up for incubation or don't have buyers lined up, you can discard the eggs. RES are not endangered and are actually over populated. You can easily find yourself overwhelmed with hatchlings as a female RES can lay several clutches each season if conditions are right.

An adult sideneck female will lay clutches numbering 6 to over 40 eggs at a time. Clutch size will depend on age, size and overall health. They will retain eggs until a suitable nesting site is located. This can lead to becoming egg bound which can be life threatening. She does not need to mate in order to lay eggs. Ideally, she should be examined, and x-rayed, by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to confirm whether or not she is retaining eggs.

Yes, this is normal. When a female is gravid, or carrying eggs, you will need to provide an appropriate nesting area so she can lay them properly. A female RES can lay eggs without the presence of a male so the eggs will not be fertilized. She should instinctively want to create a nest and lay a clutch of eggs. A clutch may contain over twenty eggs for a healthy, full-grown female. If environmental conditions are right, she may lay around 3 or 4 clutches in a season. This website should give you all the information you need. Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again! Best wishes! http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/TurtleReproArtDarrel.htm

Try soaking her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This may aid in egg laying as well as provide hydration. A gentle abdominal massage may help expel the egg. If this doesn't help, she should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet sooner rather than later.

Provide a lay box or other area for her to lay. Keep her warm and as stress free as possible. If she hasn't mated, the eggs are likely infertile. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or straining to defecate or straining to lay. You may need to have her seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles depending on how long it has been.

If you think Bertha may be egg bound, she should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian as soon as you can get an appointment. In the meantime, check water and ambient temperatures in the tank. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. You can add a little liquid calcium supplement to the soak as well.

Thanks for reaching out about Zoey and including a photo. The nest area should also be warm, and a little moist. Try to encourage her to enter the area. If she ever becomes lethargic, a veterinary visit to induce egg laying, might be in order. Monitor food intake but also defecation. Good luck.