I have 2 RES one male and one female. The male is larger than the female and has been agressivly biting at her quite reguarly. Usaully she just turns her shell to him and scoots over to the basking rock. Last night I saw him get her on the neck just behind the head and today there is a sore on her neck. Their shell size is similar she is about 5.5" and he is about 6.5" but he is much deeper, about twice as deep as she is. I have also noticed that he is a much better swimmer and spends a good deal of time hovering mid level in the water where as she either sits on the bottom or climbs up on the rock.
Any thoughts? I don't want to have to seperate them but it is looking like I may have to.
2007-12-19 10:43:56 · 8 answers · asked by bliston99 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The tank is 150 gallons and I have had the male longer than the female.
2007-12-19 11:05:41 · update #1
If this is going on constantly, you should really separate them. I know it seems like a hassle, but you really have no choice... unless you want to see your female turtle dead. =/
2007-12-19 10:49:52 · answer #1 · answered by ( Kelly ) 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would say you are going to have to separate them. It is possible you don't have a big enough tank for them to each have their own territory and although it is rare for males and females to fight for it, it is possible.
PETCO has a great care sheet, "Size – Appropriate sized habitat with a screened lid so the turtle cannot escape; adult turtles need more room; a rule of thumb is approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of turtle"
You don't want her wounds getting infected or her getting stressed over the fights.
Good luck.
2007-12-19 19:03:31 · answer #2 · answered by mysticalelixir 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure they are different sexes? Did you get them at the same time? If you got the larger on first it may be that he is showing signs of aggression because he is being territorial. He could also be trying to mate. I don't know about turtles sorry just trying to give you ideas.
2007-12-19 18:58:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You seem OK in tank size, but it sounds like the big guy is just a bully. Sadly, this is common in RES, and I have never heard of a solution other than bigger tank or separation.
2007-12-19 23:27:19 · answer #4 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your male is going to continually attempt to establish dominance, so I think keeping them separate is the best thing for them. It may be possible that he is trying to mate with her, and she is denying that, so keeping them apart would be in the best interest of both animals.
2007-12-19 18:56:05 · answer #5 · answered by The "GG" 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think keeping them separate is the best thing for them. It may be possible that he is trying to mate with her, and she is denying that, so keeping them apart would be in the best idea for them right know. Later.. try to put them back together... see if that works.
2007-12-26 19:23:59 · answer #6 · answered by hypergal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Visit http://www.redearslider.com for more info. Or here is a forum- http://www.turtle.freeforums.org . If you have any questions ask them there.
You really need to seperate your turtles. The one that is hurting the other one will eventually kill it.
2007-12-19 20:38:43 · answer #7 · answered by Jen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like he wants to breed.
2007-12-19 18:51:49 · answer #8 · answered by Owlwoman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋