Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My male RES had been doing the mating dance with the female. She doesn't seem to be interested at all. This has been going on for at least a month. I don't know if they have actually mated though. I am working on getting a tank together for the male so I can separate them. When I got them, I didn't know their sexes. They were both only the size of a half dollar. I got the male off my friend who bought it for her son and she couldn't be bothered with taking care of it. She said she was just going to let it go up near a creek near where we live. After reading online how to take care of RES, and the dangers of letting them go in the wild, I told her I would take him. Anyhow, I need to know if I should set up some type of nest for her just in case they did mate? Also, I have checked all over the internet and can't find anything on where to set up a nesting area for her. Should it be separate from her usual tank and if so, how long should she stay in the nest? I have read somewhere online that if a female doesn't lay her eggs she could die. Is that true? Like I said, I don't know if they have actually mated but I want to be on the safe side. Any information will most appreciated....

How large is the female? Mature females can mate once and be fertile for up to 4 years. Females that have never mated can also lay eggs, unfertile eggs. Mature females need dirt access. Many females will not lay their eggs unless outside with ground access. You will have to inquire if others have had luck getting RES females to lay indoors in tubs or something rigged. Some will lay eggs in the water but this is not natural and can be stressful. If eggs are retained the eggs can rot causing infection and even death if a vet isn't seen for medications. Signs of needing to lay are working the rear legs in a backward motion and a decrease in appetite. When eggs are well formed, they can sometimes be felt in the abdomen if you pull out a rear leg and gently feel with a finger in the area where she pulls the leg up in. They feel like large bulges. Don't push too hard or you can break them. Females needing to lay eggs can be a big problem for people that keep turtles indoors all the time. The Gulf Coast Turtle & Tortoise Society does not recommend keeping turtles indoors on a permanent basis. Hope this helps alittle. See link for more info.
Water Turtle Care

Her shell is about 6 inches in length. The male is about 4 inches. Thank you for the information.