5868. Vet case. Slider - egg laying behaviour

 

 

TELE-HEALTH CONSULTATION

7 MAR 2026: WhatsApp to Dr David Sing

Hi doctor, my terrapin has been exhibiting nesting behaviour over the past 3 days (since Wednesday).

We tried bringing her downstairs and she does try to dig her nest, but she doesn't get very far before being stopped by tree roots or hard soil. She hasn't been eating properly and we haven't noticed her pooping regularly.

How can we help her?

 

----------

 [19:23, 07/03/2026] Dr David Sing: You need an X ray to check if she has egg obstruction and vet injection early, if she can’t lay eggs
[19:24, 07/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: Is this behaviour - digging a nest, then stopping partway because of roots or whatever, then relocating to try a different spot - normal?
[19:25, 07/03/2026] Dr David Sing: Egg laying behaviour. How old is she?
[19:30, 07/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: 7 years this year
[19:30, 07/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: She has laid eggs in the past
[19:30, 07/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: Last time was in Aug 2025
[19:30, 07/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: And according to her previous owner, she laid eggs about once a year
[19:32, 07/03/2026] Dr David Sing: Sometimes, there is difficulty in laying eggs
[09:39, 08/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: Well at this point, do we still need the xray or can we go straight to the vet for an injection?
[09:40, 08/03/2026] Dr David Sing: Please request injection from vet if you prefer
[09:41, 08/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: Otherwise how do we arrange for an xray? Also, how much will all these things cost?
[10:15, 08/03/2026] Dr David Sing: Please phone 62543326 for information
[14:28, 08/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: I brought her downstairs again today. She has been digging in one spot for 6 hours now and she's still not done digging. Is this normal?

Voice call to owner to elaborate as it takes too much text to explain

 [16:54, 08/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: She laid 6 eggs in total.
[16:56, 08/03/2026] +65 9475 0905: She started to move away and cover up her nest, so we helped her along by pushing the soil in. But now even after we brought her back home, washed her off, and let her soak in lukewarm water, she is still paddling with her legs like as if she is trying to continue burying her nest. What do we do to get her to snap out of it?

Voice call to owner to elaborate as it takes too much text to explain.

Put her inside tank with water to drink. Feed her pellets. Wait and see 


[03:28, 21/03/2026] Dr David Sing: Good morning. Is your slider back to normal eating and pooping? Please send images of eggs. Thank you

 

 

 

 

 

 Slider chose her own spot which was near a walkway. Dug soil. Laid 6 eggs. Owner helped her to cover up the hole.  Took her vback to apartment. she still exhibited leg paddling behaviour. Vet advised to put her inside tank with warm water. NO further news from owner.