Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all!

I had a question...I have a female box turtle and 2 males. One of my males and my female have mated several times and today she is constantly visiting different areas in their pen. She has a favorite spot that she has been sitting in with her head out and alert. I have never had a gravid turtle, although I've been doing research and reading your posts. Is this a possible sign of her getting ready to make a nest?

Also, since we live in Sacramento and do not have predators in our yard that would visit and dig up her nest, should I leave the eggs there and let Mother Nature hatch them or bring them in and incubate them? Any thoughts?

Thank you!

Tina

Sounds like you have a gravid female. A restless female is normally a pregnant one. I've also seen them sniff the ground and investigating more often when they are getting ready to lay eggs. As for leaving them in the backyard to hatch, I would place a enclosure over top so no animals can dig them up. I'm from the east coast and here racoons prey upon turtle nest frequently. Also if you stick your pinky finger inside her shell in front of her back leg you should feel eggs. Just make sure she doesn't close up on you while your finger is there.