How Long Are Red-Eared Slider Turtles Pregnant: Tips in Taking Care of Gravid Sliders

The pregnancy period of red-eared slider turtles is about three months (60-90 days). Female red-eared sliders can lay up to 30 eggs per season. Nesting is constant throughout the year for these turtles, with females laying eggs from May until early July. 

How to Tell if Your Red-Eared Slider Turtle Is Pregnant

If you’re wondering about the sex of your turtle or want to be sure they’re pregnant, the easiest way to determine the answer is to gently pull the skin back to see if there are any eggs inside. If you’re lucky, you might see one or two eggs! 

If you can’t find eggs, or if the female turtle isn’t nesting, a health care professional can also help determine if the turtle is pregnant. Once you know the turtle’s pregnancy status, provide nesting materials and lay her eggs on her turf! Signs that a turtle is pregnant include change in behavior, nesting activity, and weight gain.

Gravid turtles will have a noticeable bump on their carapace (head), and hatchlings usually look very similar to adult turtles, but they may be slightly smaller. For example, if you find an adult turtle with a gravid hump, it’s safe to assume that the egg was laid within the last few days or weeks. 

If you’ve found an egg and are unsure if it has hatched yet, place it in warm water until you can see movement inside the shell. 

Visual Signs of a Gravid Red-Eared Slider Turtle

Some visual signs that a turtle is pregnant include more significant size, more activity, eggs visible inside the female’s shell, and decreased nesting. If you see any of these signs in your turtle friend, you must take her to a veterinarian for a checkup!

A Lowered Appetite

There are a few potential reasons why turtles might have a decreased appetite or thirst. One possibility is that they may have a lowered metabolic rate, which can lead to an overall decrease in appetite and thirst. 

Another reason could be the hatching of the eggs – this usually happens about two weeks after the eggs are laid and can result in hatchlings about three inches long at birth. 

A gravid turtle’s shell will also noticeably shrink as she prepares to lay eggs – making her more sluggish. You’ll know she’s ready when she starts digging holes in the ground!

Change In Basking Habit

Basking habits are often a sign of a change in the environment – one that may be good or bad for the turtle. 

They will move around their pool more frequently, looking for food. The turtle’s nesting behaviors will also change as they become more active at night and lay eggs during this period. 

Trying to Escape

Gravid turtles often try to escape their enclosure by crawling or bolting away – so look out for these signs!

Caring for a Gravid Red-Eared Slider Turtle

Make sure to take her to the veterinarian for a checkup at least once a month, and keep an eye out for any changes in her behavior or appetite. Also, give her fresh vegetables, fruit, and water regularly. 

If she is nesting, clean up any eggs that may have been left behind. And last but not least, monitor her temperature daily and check for any changes.

What to Do if Your Red-Eared Slider Turtle Needs to Lay Eggs

Keep an eye on your turtle and watch for eggs – they will hatch in about 60-90 days. However, be patient – sometimes turtles take longer to get started because they’re nervous or inexperienced with laying eggs. 

The Outdoors Method

If you’re looking for an easy way to help your turtle lay eggs outside, the outdoors method is perfect. This involves providing your turtle with a large enclosure made of PVC pipe and keeping an eye on her during the nesting process. 

Make sure the area is big enough to move around freely and provide her with a secure roof so she can lay her eggs without fear of predators or weather changes. Additionally, ensure that the surroundings are clean – turtles like being surrounded by fresh water and greenery!

The Indoors Way

Start by incubating the eggs for about 80-90 days before they hatch. Ensure the area where you’re keeping them is warm and moist – but not too wet or too dry – since sliders are excellent swimmers. 

You will also need to provide nesting materials such as leaves, grasses, mosses, etc., so make sure you have enough on hand. Once your turtle’s eggs have hatched out (usually around 100 days after incubation), it’s time for baby slider turtles to enter the world! Keep a close eye on her, and if she starts to excavate a nesting box – that means she’s ready for another clutch of eggs!

What to Do With the Eggs

What to Do if the Eggs Are Not Fertilized

If the eggs you are trying to incubate don’t seem to be fertile, there is a good chance that they won’t hatch. Once they hatch, the babies need live food and water until they’re ready to leave the nest. 

If you want to keep any of these eggs, you’ll need to incubate them in a warm environment. Do not try artificial insemination – this might damage them further.

What to Do if the Eggs Are Fertilized

If the eggs are fertilized, you will need to incubate them for about 60-90 days. After that, the eggs will hatch and be ready to feed and care for themselves until adulthood. Make sure to provide a water body nearby for the babies to start their life cycle and grow – they’ll be off to a great start!