My 7-8 year old RES just laid eggs for her first time in the soft dirt near her outdoor pond. We have two males, one who is about 2 years old and maybe 3 1/2 inches from head to tail.The other male is not even a year old yet. I've seen the 2 year old male flailing his front claws in her face on many occasions doing the mating ritual and he follows her around constantly. I am just wondering if there is any possibility that the eggs are fertalized? I have never seen him attempt penetration, but I'm not there constantly to watch.
Also should I dig them up and place them in an incubator or should I let nature take it's course? Is there a way to tell if they are furtalized at this point? She laid them on July 3rd. Everything I've read says to dig them up and incubate them. I live in Sunny South Florida where the ground is always moist and warm. Our lakes and canals are full of plump RES thriving beautifully so I am hesitant on digging them up. They may be best where they are. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Anjeanette