Reproduction and Breeding

In hotter climates, Red Eared Sliders will try to mate all year round. In climates with seasons, they will try to mate between March to July. After awaking from brumation, males will then begin to find their mates. Using his long elongated claws, the male will swim backwards, tickling the females face. He will try to get into a face to face position with her. This is to say that he's a good candidate and has good genes. If receptive, the female will move to a shallower area in the water and sink to the bottom. The male will grab the female's carapace with his claws and insert his penis inside her vagina. He will let go of his claws and fall back vertically. The courtship dance could take fairly about 10-15minutes and the mating should last about 40minutes+. If the female is not receptive, and she gets annoyed by the harrassment, she may painfully bite the males toes. Trust me, it really hurts. Her powerful jaws have the ability to tear limbs off. If the mating was successful, the female will be gravid/pregnant in 2-3 weeks time. Eggs will be layed as quickly as possible if conditions are good.