All Turtles Message Board

Sparkels580 · Level 1 Joined: 16 Apr 2002 Posts: 24

OK I a, still comming to terms with the fact that my turtles are doing the mating dance so bare with me. I feel that they are too young but you know what they say, at one point you just have to let them go and hope you raised them right. I think they should wait but you know how they are at this age (1 year and 6 months) So my question is: I have two turtles one is much bigger then the other, he/she bats the other down when i feed them, its a big turtle. And the Other is a little one, still under 4 inches so what I wanna know is: is it possible? Can they mate when one is so much bigger then the other? I wouldnt think they could but can they? And if not will they figure that out or will they keep on trying forever?
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My Turtles names are Peatree and Sammy. New one on the way to be named

Willie · Level 3 Joined: 16 Sep 2002 Posts: 383 Location: Wisconsin

I dont think turtles are sexually mature at those ages, maybe they\'re just \'flirting\'!!! Smile

Willie
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2 Eastern Painted Turtles
2 Common Snapping Turtles
2 Texas Diamondback Terrapins
1 Razorback Musk
1 Texas Map Turtle

~~~LAYLA~~~ · Level 3 Joined: 18 Jul 2003 Posts: 213

u seem to know alot willie i heard that in captivity turtles mature alot faster than in the wild true or just rumor?
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Layla

Willie · Level 3 Joined: 16 Sep 2002 Posts: 383 Location: Wisconsin

The sexual mature age for RES is when the turtle\'s shell reaches 5 inches. Since the turtle doesn\'t have to hibernate, has a steady supply of food, yes, the turtles in captivity reach sexual maturity at an earlier age then turtles in the wild.
Willie
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2 Eastern Painted Turtles
2 Common Snapping Turtles
2 Texas Diamondback Terrapins
1 Razorback Musk
1 Texas Map Turtle

ShellyLynn · Level 1 Joined: 23 Jul 2003 Posts: 7

I have two small females and one small male in my bunch of 15 turtles. The small male is also courting everyone male or female but I was reasured by my vet friend that he cannot mate for atleast another two years. He is only about 1.5 yrs old. So i would guess that your male is also unlikely to mate.
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Proud owner of 15 eastern painted
8 males 7 females and now 7 eggs!!more on thier way!!