Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone! I have an 8 yr old female slider. I have her in a 55 long tank. During the past 2 weeks, she has been SO active. She tries all day to climb out of the tank, and wakes up around 3 am and starts banging into the glass!.. The last time this happened was in the spring. She laid a few eggs. I have set up a rubbermaid tub with some sand/soil to see if she was going to lay some again. All she is trying to do is escape! I am SO frustrated, I can't sleep... I am ready to give her away.. Can someone please help??? I don't know what she wants. Is it possible she may want to hibernate? She doesnt seem sick at all. I have had her since she was a baby. I would hate to give her up now, but it is getting bad. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

I had the same problem with my female. She is a little over 10" s. I keep her in an outdoor pond all summer, but had to move her inside earlier due to the cold comming fast in Illinois. She was not very active at first, but after a couple of days, she would wack into the sides and would try to climb out. I finally put aquarium background around the entire tank. Full coverage on the sides and back, and only half way on the front. This has seem to help out greatly with the banging. I also did the same for my torts in a simialr enclosure. Give it a try and let me know how it works. Best of Luck Matt

okay are you keeping her in the rubbermade for long enough time because she is not gonna just pop them out as soon as you put her in dirt you need to guve her a long time to lay them and if possible make it so she can climb out into the dirt on her own free will from the water Good luck

Thanks Matt. I tried to cover the sides.. She did calm down a little but she still is banging up against the sides.. She is eating some.. How do I really know if she is trying to lay eggs? I don't see her digging at all(in her tank) or in the tub of dirt/sand. What could be her problem?? I hope she settles down soon.