General Care Discussion :: Turtle dug hole, sat for hours but didn't lay eggs

[klc1945]

My turtle was showing signs of wanting to lay eggs. She dug a hole in the ground. Spent about 7 hrs. Digging and setting on the nest. She covered it up and moved off. I dug up the nest and there were no eggs.

Two months ago she did this and layed 10 eggs.
Is it common for turtles to do this?

[steve]

I don't think they would cover it up if they didn't lay anything... could it have been a very small clutch?

[penelope]

Penelope was digging like crazy, but no eggs - the vet says they sometimes will dig a a few holes and then go back to the one they like the best. She checked Penelope out and while she definitely has eggs they weren't in the canal. So Penelope has just been digging in preparation. Its a tricky deal...just keep your eyes peeled for signs of straining. Absent that, she may just be looking for prime real estate.

[klc1945]

Thanks for the information. She isn't showing any signs of wanting to lay eggs now. Maybe false labor.

[penelope]

She dug a hole in the ground. Spent about 7 hrs.

OK - resurrecting an old post...
But just wanted to say - yeah, I guess they can dig for hours and not lay eggs.