X-Ray of Gravid Mud Turtle

[PicOlio]

This is a recent rescue (with a long story that's better for the vent forum lol but anyway......) I thought some of you may enjoy seeing her x-ray.....

I'm sure you'll be able to easily read the exciting results



Looks like twins to me ... wish her luck though she's got a good hole in her carapace and huge crack in her plastron.

[Scarlette]

That's pretty neat!

[crzy4piggers]

Poor girl. I will keep her and her twins in my thoughts.

I do have to say the x-rays are very interesting. Do you know the average amount of eggs layed? I watched a mud turtle dig her hole and drop her eggs, but didn't want to bother her. As you can tell I have no clue about the proper "termononology" to use when it comes to turtles. I can't wait til the babies dig their way up!

[PicOlio]

I believe they have been known to lay up to seven eggs however it's more common to see 1 to 3 eggs. Incubation time is about 2.5 to 6 months depending on temps etc since they can go into dispause during the cooler weather (dispause meaning the just stop maturing for a while and then start again when it warms up).

The babies will be TINY! Be sure to look carefully not to miss them lol

[elfomatic]

Yeah, the hatchlings should be very tiny ... mud turtles are tiny full grown!! Very cute, though. Thanks for sharing the x-ray.

[Lizgirl]

How exciting! I will pray that she is able to give birth easily.