All Turtles Message Board

KetchupSpud · Level 1 Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 6

I have had my two turtles for 1.5 years. I got them as hatchlings and they have been together since. The male is a RES and the female is a YBS. They're both about the same size and weight. They are in a 55 gal tank.
Two weeks ago I heard lots of splashing and found the male had bitten down on the female's back foot and wouldn't let go. I had to pull on him to get him to let go. I seperated him for a little bit and then put them back together. I kept food in the tank, just incase he was hungry or bored. They've been fine for two weeks (at least when I'm around), but then it happened again tonight. The female isn't acting afraid or running away and they get along all the rest of the time. I'm in college and don't have the space or money to seperate them, so I was hoping someone might have some experience with this or some ideas as to what options to try.
I've seen them mate (or at least attempt it) before, and there has never been anything like this. Everything I've read has been about agressive or territorial females, so I don't know what to think about the male being the biter.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

dixieee · Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:56 am Post subject:

welcome to the board Smile

did it by any chance happen when any of them was eating? i never put food in the tank and leave cz I've seen my female act aggressive only when it's feeding time and that's why I separate them when it is. Otherwise, they get along fine (althought there's a good size diffrence between mine)
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Wed 10/27/2004 is the worst day..i lost my best friend Leo

so now i have a female RES, Green, and a cute stupid male YBS, Mint

5/4/2006 RIP Lemon, u were my first rescue and i'm so proud of u. will never 4get u

KetchupSpud · Level 1 Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 6

Thanks for the reply and the welcome! Smile

No, it hasn't happened during feeding. I have been out of the room with the door closed both times. I heard the loud splashing and ran in and saw it. They're never aggressive during feeding - they're so intent on me and begging they just ignore each other. Today I saw the male following the female around and just kind of watching her and getting really close to her - seemed like a mating thing. I've seen them do that many times before. I just don't understand what would cause him to do it twice on seperate random occasions. After I pull him off, they go about their business as usual as if it never happened. He isn't aggressive and she isn't scared. It's really puzzling me.
Any other thoughts?

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1227

Personally, I would seperate them and before permanent injury results.
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http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

KetchupSpud · Level 1 Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 6

Unfortunately seperating them, at least for the long term, isn't an option for me. I'm still in college and just can't afford to maintain two tanks, nor do I have the space for it. I was really hoping someone might have experienced this before and have any suggestions.
I don't want to have to get rid of one of them...

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1227

I have seen this to many times. I take in rescues from situations like yours. That is why I recommend seperating them. You can use rubbermaid tubs for them but seperation is really the only solution.
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http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html