Reptile & Amphibian Forums

if my turtle was about to lay her eggs, what kind of signs would she be showing?

I've never had any experience with them laying eggs, because my female eastern, and my female ornate have never been with a male since they came into my care. But I have a friend who breeds easterns, and his observations tell him that easterns avoid direct sunlight and heat, but 1 to 2 weeks before they're due to lay eggs, the females will sun themselves for hours, and spend more time in their water bowls than usual. If you're asking about ornates, I don't know anyone who specializes in breeding them, and my female has never been bred, so I can't give you any info. on their nesting habits, except watch for watch and see if she shows any signs that I listed on easterns.

Cliff

My gravid females would begin to pace all around the enclosure. If yours is indoors she will be restless and climb the corners. They may stop eating, too. If you think your turtle is gravid you need to have an area when she can dig a nest hole so she can lay her eggs.