All Turtles Message Board

angelaprevette · Guest Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 1 Location: WV

I have a Slider turtle. My daughter bought him, in Novemeber will be one year. Just recently I have noticed that when he sees his reflection in the glass, he takes his front legs and puts them beside his head. He then starts to shake them and the sound it makes almost sounds like a rattlesnake. Does this mean he is trying to mate or does he feel threatened? I would like to find him a female to let him breed with if this means he has reached maturity. Any replies would be greatly appreciated. And one more thing, should they come out of the aquarium for a while or are they ok to stay in the water? Thanks so much.

STRAYKINGFISHER · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 6:46 pm Post subject:

That hand gesture is what we refer as the mating dance, I think that they all do it when they get to be around a year old. Sliders are water turtles, they are perfectly at home in the water, as long as they have a basking
dock, they will decide for themselves when and if they come out to bask.
I take mine out sometimes and let them walk around on the floor while I clean their tank, but if you have small children, you should probably put them in a container while you clean the tank.
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ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

He doesn't *need* to mate just because he's capable. =) From what I understand breeding is not that easy, and also...