redearslider.com

Hi, I just joined the forum. My name is Nick and I've had a male and a female red slider, they have been together in the tank for about 10 years. Today I went to feed them and I discovered 6 eggs in the tank. I quickly went online and found out they need to be out of the water. I found a container and carefully put them in it and under a heat light. Do you think they have a chance to survive?

It depends on how long it was in the water. If they are her first eggs, you should probably throw them away. RES are very over populated too, you might want to get rid of any viable eggs in the future (I know how difficult that decision is).

What would be the issue with first eggs? I guess I'll see what happens with these eggs. I will take care of any that are born, but if she lays more after this, I guess I'd have to get rid of them.

Usually they're a bit small and not the healthiest.

Did you put the eggs at the exact same position you found them? Do you have an actual incubator, or just a container with a heat lamp? I know some people lost all their eggs after only 1 day underwater, so idk if you will have any luck. :/

By the way, your female WILL lay eggs again, and they will probably be fertile, even if you separated them. Female turtles usually hold sperm for a long time when they mate, in case they don't find another male.

I only have them in a container under a heat lamp. They are not looking good they seem very mushy and soft. I handled them gently I'm not sure if they shifted. Thanks for the reply, At least I know more if she lays eggs in the future.

Sorry to here it

Turtle eggs are soft, I think they are even softer when it's the first 'batch'... Which does link to what steve said about first eggs don't usually make the healthiest of turtles. ^^"

Putting them under a heat lamp is usually a no-go because they can overheat easily like that, especially with no humidity and no temperature checks. If in the future you want to try taking care of them, I would suggest building an incubator (which is not that complicated to do, you can see some tutorials around, even videos) so you are ready.

An important thing in case you didn't know: Reptile eggs have a pouch of air that forms at the top after they are laid, and if your turn it the embryo will not be able to breathe anymore. It's a common things amongst breeders to draw a little cross at the top of each eggs so they know how to position them in the incubators!

And really, don't feel bad about it. Taking care of exotic pets can already be tricky, now taking care of exotic reptile eggs is another level! I know I would feel too intimidated when the time comes to even consider trying. ^^"

Thanks for the info! I should be better prepared if I come across eggs again in the future.

Mine just laid about a dozen last night while I was at work first batch I’ve ever seen want expecting that so quite the mess in the tank when I got home any idea on how to tell when she is ready to lay again so I have the appropriate setup for her

Is she kept alone? Generally, her aggressively wanting to get out of the tank will be the first and clearest sign.

No she has a proverbial cell mate and they splash around a lot especially when I walk into the room so I didn’t even think about it but I will now thanks

It's a little different when she wants to get out and begging. She won't likely be interested in any food if she wants out. With a male tank mate, she might be gravid frequently.