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If you've read my other posts you probably know that I recently rescued a female RES. She's 5' long and about 2 years old. I was wondering when I should be expecting her to begin laying eggs. Is it after she becomes sexually mature? I think on the main site it says that females are mature around 3-5 years or 5 inches. So since she's already 5' should I be keeping an eye out for signs that she has eggs?

I'm actually hoping for input from people who have older female turtles and thus are experienced in this area.

No one???

No i wouldnt worry yet. Ive never heard of a turtle laying eggs before 3years.

I have had my female RES for 6 yrs and she just started layed eggs last year. You have a little time still. Good luck. And enjoy her.

Okay thanks everyone. I guess I'll postpone the building of a nesting box a little.

Every turtle is different, so she'll start when she's ready. To note, some turtles never lay eggs, some lay one or two clutches and stop, and others lay eggs every year. If she is not in the presence of a male, she will likely lay infrequently and stop over time. If she is in the presence of a male, she will lay very frequently, whether fertilized or not.