Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello and HELP, Please!

I have male & female RES about 7 years old in a 50 gallon tank (3/4 water, slate 'cave' & basking area, two filters, water heater, vitamin light and 1/2" natural stone gravel).

The female has laid single eggs at variable times over the past few years - none survived. This time she is acting quite a bit different - seems to be trying to nest, digging in gravel, climbing all over everything, trying to get out - very active and 'hyper' compared to usually hiding out in the cave.

Can anyone suggest the optimum, low-cost, indoor (living room)set up for a nesting area? I'm thinking of some form of large shallow plastic tub filled with peat moss & soil and a basking light. How much water area should it have since she's used to swimming in 16" depth? What else am I forgetting?

Then, if she does indeed lay a clutch, what suggestions are there for making an affordable incubator, what materials, etc?

I did look through the site before asking - didn't find info - if anyone can direct me I would appreciate it! My two boys (ages 8 & 9) and I are really excited about this!

Are you intending to keep the hatchlings yourself?

Yes, if she does lay eggs and we are able to hatch and raise them, my local pet store said he would take them when they are the legal size - he said about one year old ... 4.25 inches. He's tried to help, but isn't too familiar with this...

So far I have set up a black plastic pond liner filled with peat moss/soil, a heat lamp basking area and a countersunk sterlite plastic container for swimming.

I've been alternating them between the water tank for feedings and hiding out and this new 'playground'. I've surrounded the swimming area with slate pieces to try to keep the pool from getting too muddy ... any other tips?

I've found some sites on ebay for incubators but not sure what to look for, my local pet store doesn't offer anything.

Thank you for any tips & suggestions!

I don't want to sound holier than thou, but I would strongly discourage you from this course of action. There are already way too many RES on the market. Rescues are overflowing with them. People just don't realise how big they get and how much care and effort they take. And a local pet store no matter how well meaning is probably not the best place to put your animals. I strongly encourage youy to freeze the eggs if they are laid.

That is a good point, I didn't really consider that aspect since it was pretty difficult for us to get our RES's, no one in our area had water turtles... Thanks for the input.

My 2 cents: In most places RES are like cats. It's always a bit of a "oh look how cute, she's having kittens," and then immediately, "too many kittens..."

If your area doesn't have RES overflow, then I don't see anything wrong with selling them to the pet store, on 2 conditions. The pet store owner must be aware of how to take care of a RES and to tell all potential buyers that they will eventually need 55 gallon tanks (minimum) heat lamps, pumps etc etc. ....And you should make sure they will be put in an optimum environment while being hosted at the petshop. If it's a local shop and they guy loves reptiles, then go for it.

p.s. I also happen to be a Buddhist, and killing the turtles would be unfortunate. If they could help educate your local area about herps than it sounds beneficial.

Thank you for the input. So far the turtles are enjoying their extra space and my boys have been educating their friends about them. No activity from the female as far as laying a clutch though...

I'd disagree with the aquarium size you listed. A 55 gallon would be a bare minimum for an adult male. An adult female would need at least 100 gallons.

Where are you located? I have about a dozen for adoption now (we were asked to place 60 last year alone, and we placed about 10). Some rescues WILL ship if weather permits and an approved adopter is willing to pay for shipping.

Katrina
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1.2 Eastern Muds - Fred, Ethel, Edith
0.1 Iguana - Tiffel
0.1 Bearded Dragon - Foster
Foster turtles: More than I'd like the husband to know about.