Urgent Care :: Nesting

[BRANBRAN]

Another night and yet no eggs. She has been so calm here lately that we were beginning to second guess if there were eggs at all, until we both felt of her again. My husband is back outside with her and we will see how that goes. Tonight is our last night to be able to take her out because there is a good chance of snow and sleet tomorrow. Thats Arkansas for ya, 71 degrees now 32 tomorrow. Our male is still in the rubbermaid set up but he does not seem happy. We will keep you guys posted.
BranBran

[steve]

When my female RES laid eggs this year (twice), it was the day after a rain storm. The ground in the backyard was still firm and a bit moist. She also did this in the afternoon, around 2pm I think. They will have their own preference as to when and where they will want to lay eggs. I was very fortunate that mine found a spot quickly and went straight to work. I'm not sure if that is helpful, but you might have to try different areas and times. Good luck and thanks for the updates.

[BRANBRAN]

Well Speedy has been outside for at least three hours and my husband thinks that she may be laying eggs. She found a spot and has been there for almost two hours and dug quite a bit. It is so hard to tell. We don't know if she just dug and got comfy and is sleeping now or what. My husband has a chair out there and is just staying out of her sight. I hope he doesn't have to stay the night out there. I told him that if she moves from that spot then go ahead and bring her back in. I don't think Speedy nows that we have to work in the morning(ha!ha!) As for me, I am going to bed, knowing that I have a wonderful and dedicated man out there taking care of our sweet Speedy turtle. I will report in tomorrow and let everyone know if we have eggs or not.

[SpotsMama]

I do hope she's laying! You and your husband are WONDERFUL to be taking such care! Your little Speedy is totally dependent and is so lucky to have you.

[BRANBRAN]

No Eggs . My husband stayed outside until 2:30am and finally had to give up and bring her in. She had dug a big hole but she never laid any eggs. We think she may have just fell asleep, because she never even moved at all once she got there. Today is cold and rainy so we will not be able to take her out, so I have no idea of what is next. I wonder how long we should wait before taking her to the vet. I hear that the vet should be a last resort because it can be so stressful.
BranBran

[steve]

Did she cover up the hole? If she did cover up, you will have a hard time finding those eggs. If this is her first time, it might be taking her awhile. Did she feel noticeably lighter? The vet can x-ray her to check for blockages or unusually large eggs.

[BRANBRAN]

I will need to go back out there and look but, I really do not think that she laid any eggs. I actually found videos of some turtles(not res, but box turtles) laying eggs on www.youtube.com. From what my hubby says it was not a deep hole at all and that she really did not move and dig like the video shows. She has been acting pretty normal here ately so as soon as it warms up, we will let her back out or take her to the vet soon. We may try the nesting box that we made out of the 15gal tub or we may get a bigger size. Turtles can be so expensive!!!