<P> Courtship and mating activities for red - eared sliders usually occur between March and July, and take place under water . During courtship, the male swims around the female and flutters or vibrates the back side of his long claws on and around her face and head, possibly to direct pheromones towards her . The female swims toward the male and, if she is receptive, sinks to the bottom for mating . If the female is not receptive, she may become aggressive towards the male . Courtship can last 45 minutes, but mating takes only 10 minutes . </P> <P> On occasion, a male may appear to be courting another male, and when kept in captivity may also show this behaviour towards other household pets . Between male turtles, it could be a sign of dominance and may preclude a fight . Young turtles may carry out the courtship dance before they reach sexual maturity at five years of age, but they are unable to mate . </P> <P> After mating, the female spends extra time basking to keep her eggs warm . She may also have a change of diet, eating only certain foods, or not eating as much as she normally would . A female can lay between two and 30 eggs depending on body size and other factors . One female can lay up to five clutches in the same year, and clutches are usually spaced 12 to 36 days apart . The time between mating and egg - laying can be days or weeks . The actual egg fertilization takes place during the egg - laying . This process also permits the laying of fertile eggs the following season, as the sperm can remain viable and available in the female's body in the absence of mating . During the last weeks of gestation, the female spends less time in the water and smells and scratches at the ground, indicating she is searching for a suitable place to lay her eggs . The female excavates a hole, using her hind legs, and lays her eggs in it . </P> <P> Incubation takes 59 to 112 days . Late - season hatchlings may spend the winter in the nest and emerge when the weather warms in the spring . Just prior to hatching, the egg contains 50% turtle and 50% egg sac . A new hatchling breaks open its egg with its egg tooth, which falls out about an hour after hatching . This egg tooth never grows back . Hatchlings may stay inside their eggshells after hatching for the first day or two . If they are forced to leave the eggshell before they are ready, they will return if possible . When a hatchling decides to leave the shell, it still has a small sac protruding from its plastron . The yolk sac is vital and provides nourishment while visible, and several days later it will have been absorbed into the turtle's belly . The sac must be absorbed, and does not fall off . The split must heal on its own before the turtle is able to swim . The time between the egg hatching and water entry is 21 days . </P>

When do red ear slider turtles lay eggs