Reproductive problems in terrapins

The reproductive system produces sperm and eggs. Even if your terrapin lives alone, the reproductive system is still active and can develop problems.

To determine whether a terrapin is male or female you will need to check the tail length. In general males have longer tails and the vent lies outside the shell. Male terrapins also develop a depression in the plastron (flat undershell) to enable them to mate with the female terrapin.

Young terrapins can be difficult to sex!

Male terrapins have two testicles which produce sperm that are inside the body near the kidneys. The male terrapin has one sex organ called the phallus (penis) which lies inside the vent and is only used for carrying sperm, it does not carry or pass urine.

The phallus is normally inside the vent and only comes out for mating. If the phallus gets stuck outside the body this is known as a prolapse. A prolapsed phallus can become damaged and infected.

If you think your terrapin has a prolapsed phallus he needs to visit the veterinary practice. If the phallus has suffered a lot of damage or has become infected he may need an operation to remove it. Try to keep your terrapin’s phallus submerged in lukewarm water on the way to the veterinary practice to avoid it drying out.

Female terrapins have two ovaries which produce eggs; these are found inside the body near the kidneys. They also have two oviducts that are tubes along which the eggs are transported to the urodeum area of the vent.

Terrapins tend to lay several hard eggs at a time. If they successfully mate with a male terrapin the eggs will hatch approximately 70-100 days later. However, female terrapins can produce eggs without mating and sometimes this can lead to problems.

Follicular stasis is a condition which occurs when the eggs do not develop properly and are without a shell. These undeveloped eggs remain inside the body and can make an affected terrapin very ill. Follicular stasis can only be corrected by spaying; an operation to remove the ovaries and oviducts. This operation can only be performed under general anesthetic and means she can no longer reproduce.

Egg binding is more common in terrapins where the eggs have been made and are fully developed but they become stuck inside the body and cannot be laid. This can be treated medically by the veterinary surgeon but is sometimes not effective and the eggs need to be removed surgically under general anesthetic.

Your terrapin’s housing must be kept at the correct temperature; if it is too cold her body will struggle to make and lay eggs. Dehydration will also make it very difficult for your terrapin to lay eggs. Calcium needs to be added more regularly to the food and it is important to check that there is adequate UV light. Researching the amounts of calcium for your species of terrapin is advised when she is reproducing to ensure she does not become unwell from inadequate levels.

Producing eggs uses a large amount of energy, so ensure your terrapin has an adequate and balanced diet. Your terrapin will also need a hiding place in her house with plenty of substrate (bedding) which allows her to dig holes where she will bury her eggs.

If your terrapin develops any egg-related problems she will need to visit the veterinary practice. Egg bound terrapins need an operation to remove the retained eggs from the body.

Weekly weighing is a good indication to allow you to monitor if your terrapin has egg or follicle related problems.