Is it normal for a male & female red slider to burrow in the dirt.?

Question

I have a male and female slider. Lately I've been reading a lot about mature turtles and their need to lay eggs. I created an outdoor area in my garden with a little pool of water. Both turtles immediately dug an area into the dirt and that is where they stayed most of the day until I dug them up, cleaned them up and put them back in the tank.

Is the digging normal? How do I know if and when the female will lay her eggs. How long should I keep them outside?

Answer 1

One of my 36 yr old slidesr has been doing the same. The mating happens in May thru June and eggs 80 to 90 days later. Maybe its wishful thinking on their part.

I let mine out of the pond to hang out in the dirt but all want back in the pond but her. So I pick then up and put them back. I use 2 Titanium heaters in the winter.

Before my pond I used a kiddy pool with a t-pee sort of covering made of chicken wire so no birds of prey would grab them for lunch.

Total Body length: 5-8" average, up to 12 inches max. Life span: 15-25+ years

Males have the longer front nails and are used in mating. And are considered mature at about 5 yrs old. You can’t start sexing till about  3” across.

Just know that they need as much sunlight or UVA every day.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N0...

I wish you luck.

Answer 2

There are several factors to consider: where you live, are they wild caught? Yes, it is perfectly normal, ESPECIALLY if they are wild caught. Females may or may not lay every year. Do you know for sure they are male and female?  Are you trying to breed them? Females will fast before laying eggs (there's no room for food). E-mail me if you'd like more in depth info/conversation.

They can live outside all year 'round if you do it right.