What happens if a gravid turtle can't find suitable land on which to lay her eggs? Does she lay them in the water or does she retain the eggs? If she retains eggs, are the eggs eventually resorbed or does she become egg-bound and eventually sick? Lizards (at least the ones I have) aren't too fussy about nest substrate and will lay eggs on a window sill or floor or where ever they happen to be. I acquired a mature female western painted turtle today to keep house with a mature male so I now need to know what to do if she becomes gravid. There is currently basking space in the turtle pool, but no sandy shore. How essential is it that there be a beach area?