All Turtles Message Board

hbeth · Posted: Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:37 pm Post subject: nesting concerns

I've recently noticed that Phil has been scratching around her basking area quite a bit with her hind claws, which has me thinking / worrying that she may need to lay some eggs soon (not consistent, some days more than others). Right now, I don't have anything set up for her. Is it possible that this is what's going on or could her foot just be itchy? Seems oddly early in the year, since in nature she'd still be hibernating.

As for building her a nesting area, I would like some ideas. Best options seem to be putting a small bin of substrate in her ATBA or setting up a separate bin and letting her spend some time in there every now and then. If I put a small plastic bin in her ATBA, it could only be about 3-5" deep, 16" long (along the length of the tank), and 14-15" wide (spanning the width of the tank). If I used a bin outside her tank, it could be just about any size rubermaid bin. Thoughts, what would be best? Even if it's not likely that she's ready to lay eggs now, I'd really, really, REALLY like some advice, as I don't want to wait until she really needs it!

Thanks!
_________________

Philly, world's best eastern painted!

Rocky_220 · Level 3 Joined: 12 Sep 2007 Posts: 461

Both options, putting a small bin of substrate in the ATBA, or putting a Rubbermaid container next to the tank, are alright to use. If you put a container next to the tank, make sure the access ramp and the container is ''fall proof'' so she doesn't fall on the floor when climbing to it. You can block off the edges with plexiglass. As for the substrate, you can use either play sand or unfertilized potting soil. It may help to sift the substrate through a screen first to get any chunks out that she may swallow. Hope this helps and I wish your Philly the best of things!
_________________
R.I.P. Steve Irwin

hbeth · Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2010 5:15 pm Post subject:

Sorry, I wasn't too clear on my first post. I don't know of any way to set up a ramp to let Phil get herself into the separate bin, it would have to be a matter of me putting her in there for a hour or so, every few days. Not too fond of this idea so I'm hoping that I can add something to her basking area but I'm worried that the dimensions won't be big enough for her (she's less than 4" but still, she may want wiggle-room). Maybe if I post some better pictures of her whole area, people can suggest a better set-up.

Thanks for the advice on the substrate, wasn't sure there either!
_________________

Philly, world's best eastern painted!