Egg-Laying Day Five

It’s the fifth—and probably last—day of the egg-laying process (and I’m still alive!). Thankfully, I was able to take a week-long break after the third day.

Each time we start a round of turtles by putting them into labor, the oxytocin usually kicks in after an hour. Occasionally, if nobody lays an egg, I give each a booster shot, which is half the initial dose. Besides learning how to hold the turtle with one hand while administering the injection with the other, I’ve also discovered the marvelous benefits of wearing thick gloves. These girls could really make use of some pedicure!

A female painted turtle

A red-eared slider.

A river cooter