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I Think my Turtle is Gravid?

PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:48 pm
by Skippah
I haven't posted on here in months because nothing eventful has happened to my turtle but... I heard Skipper scratching intently at the bottom of her tank (which could be normal) for around 5 minutes, but only in one spot.
I just wanted to check, so I took her out of her tank and palpated her abdomen (it's hard to do but I have developed a strategy- hold the turtle underwater around it's middle and put a finger between it's leg and shell. When it tries to swim, move your finger into the pocket that it keeps it's legs in. Ta-da!)
I felt nothing on her left side, but on her right side I felt two or three slightly squishy balls around the size of my thumbnail. I've palpated her abdomen before and I haven't noticed this.
She has no loss of appetite and no behavioral changes (besides scratching the bottom of her tank). I've never kept turtles before her, so i don't know what to do. Help?

Re: I Think my Turtle is Gravd?

PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:39 pm
by steve
How big is she?

Re: I Think my Turtle is Gravid?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 9:14 pm
by Skippah
She is 7 or 8 inches long

Re: I Think my Turtle is Gravid?

PostPosted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 3:20 pm
by steve
Does seem like she might be gravid. Have you looked into nesting spots for her?

Re: I Think my Turtle is Gravid?

PostPosted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 5:26 pm
by Skippah
No, but I have a ton of plastic bins that I could fill with dirt/sand. She can't go outside because I live in Minnesota. It was warm and plants were growing but suddenly everything froze again.

Re: I Think my Turtle is Gravid?

PostPosted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 6:15 am
by steve
Can't hurt to try a tub, but you need a bit of luck for them to accept it. Keep an eye on when she wants to get out so you can anticipate it... Some people just stick them in there all day long and I obviously don't agree with that method.