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Why is my pregnant red-eared slider aggressive and not laying eggs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My turtle has gained weight and I have recently found out that she is pregnant she has become very aggressive and so has the other turtle in the tank. I have two red ear sliders one is a male one is a female. I do not know what to do with her I put her in a tank with dirt so that she can lay her eggs but it has been over a month and nothing has happened. Every time I put her in the tank with the other male Turtle they always fight and get aggressive I do not know what to do please help.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 20th, 2016

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.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My pet turtle is laying eggs alone. Is this normal? What to do?

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

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How to tell if my red-eared slider is gravid or carrying eggs?

GENTLY press the soft areas near her rear legs, between the carapace and plastron. If she is gravid (pregnant), you should be able to feel a few eggs. Clutch size can range between 5 and 20 eggs. The best way is to determine if she is carrying eggs is to have her xrayed by your vet.

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

You should try to place the turtle in a small tub of warm water, about 10° F (18° C) warmer than the water in her usual tank, and leave her alone in there, in a room that's also warm, for a half hour or so. Sometimes that will cause her to expel her eggs. If that doesn't work, you should take her into the veterinarian for an oxytocin injection to induce her to lay her eggs. They also use this drug to induce labor in pregnant women. If your turtle is unable to lay her eggs, she can die. That is why you may need to take her into see a veterinarian if you cannot get her to lay her eggs soon. I hope this has helped. Best of luck. Thank you for using pet coach.

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Why is my male red ear slider biting the female? What to do?

You should separate them. When confined in a tank or other small area, red ear sliders (RES) can exhibit a dominating behavior towards other tank mates. Turtles can easily injure one another with their bites. Males may endlessly pursue females which is probably what is happening with yours. Harassment can escalate to serious aggression such as fighting which can result in cuts, loss of limbs or even death. Adding a new turtle may immediately cause aggression and bullying, while some turtles harass more after they develop sexually. Males seem to be more likely to fight each other and harass females. Wish I had an easier solution for you but separating them would be best.

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My turtle laid one egg and stopped. Should I take her to the vet for egg-binding?

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.

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Gravid bearded dragon is uncomfortable and wobbly. What should I do?

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Why is my baby red eared slider not eating and looks exhausted?

Without an exam, it can be difficult to determine what may be wrong. Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. You can offer bits of raw beef heart to stimulate the appetite. Be sure to offer a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.) fresh greens and vegetables and a small amount of commercial pellets. A calcium supplement and a powdered multivitamin should also be used. You can review slider care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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