General Care Discussion :: So Went to the Vet and...

[cutepanda86]

And there is a possibility that Sheldon has been cross dressing all this time... He could be a Shelda.

That being said, eggs and the danger the pose... anybody know anything they care to share...

[Jeremiah]

If you provide a proper nesting area, eggs shouldn't be a problem. Sometimes, a turtle will even lay them in the water (after which they will be unviable and need to be removed). Once you know a turtle is getting ready to lay eggs (or has already laid them), some extra calcium needs to be added to the diet for a while, to balance out the amount that the turtle lost to egg formation. In general, eggs don't really pose a threat--unless they're stuck in the turtle (a condition commonly known as being "eggbound"). A herp vet will inject something into the turtle (shoot, I forgot the name...) that will get the eggs out; worst case scenario, the eggs would have to be surgically removed.
There are several good threads on this forum (and other turtle forums) that list the signs that both gravid and eggbound turtles will exhibit. You may want to check those out.

[cutepanda86]

We're still waiting to see if he is in fact a she - Poor Sheldon had fungus a while ago and it delayed his growth so it's hard to tell but his tail isn't as big as she figured it would be now.

Thanks!

[Jeremiah]

You're welcome. Tail length isn't the only factor--how do his (or her) front claws look? Short, or long?

Also, I'm curious as to how long it took to get rid of your turtle's fungus. Mine is just starting to heal from some, and it's been over a month...

[steve]

Males could also have prolapses and their claws stuck in things... so there's a bit of risk either way. Since I separated my two, there are no egg issues but if it does happen just think about a nesting spot. The ladies are particularly picky on where they want to put them.

[cutepanda86]

Also, I'm curious as to how long it took to get rid of your turtle's fungus. Mine is just starting to heal from some, and it's been over a month...

Unfortunately it took Sheldon almost six months to get rid of the fungus and sort of get back to normal - hence the vet's concern. I was lucky I bought him when I did because too much longer and he would have been in very bad shape. As far as his claws they are about the middle of the road hence the vet's hesitance - she wanted to give me a heads up due to the fact that he was in a bad way when I got him.

@ Steve - Right now along with the curvature in his top shell - the vet is thinking that the indicators are there but she wants to wait until he's a little bigger before making any decisions. She was impressed by his shell and weight gain though so she's glad he's his normal feisty self. lol

[steve]

Clearly we need an under tail photo

[cutepanda86]

LOL Clearly.