All Turtles Message Board

Diputs0729 · Level 1 Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

Well I think I know the answer to my question, but I just don't want to do it!

In 1992, I was in the 4th grade and got my first turtle Shelly(male). Knowing what I know now, shelly was at least 5 years old. Then that summer for my Birthday Igot my second turtle, Leo (Female). I saved Leo from doom. I bought him on Canal Street in NYC, from a white little bucket stuffed with baby turtles. He was on the bottom and had cuts all over his skin. Then in 2002, I got my 3rd turtle Molly(Female). Molly was also bought off the street as a baby.

Throught the 90s' Shelly would do the dance(Front claws) to Leo. Leo always seemed to hate it and hide in her shell. Then in 2001, she seemed to want to fight back. So we started to seperate there time in the water, but yet let them run around our house together, like dogs. then when Molly got big enough to stay with Shelly and Leo, Leo again went on an attacking spree and Shelly wanted to mate. Also, Leo started to show aggression walking around the house to the other turtles.

So the Solution for me was to upgrade from the 30gallon long to a 125 galland tank. I figured they needed room and hiding places. Well once again that did not work. So I divided the tank into 3 section. I soon realized that having the 3 sections was worse for them, becuase they had less swimming room.

Now, I have setup the 30 gallon tank on the lower part of the 125 gallon stand. I have divided the 125gallon tank into 2 sections. I feed each turtle individually in a seperate 5 gallon tank(I have always feed them outside there home). After feeding time, I switch the turtles into a different section. I guess I just want to be fair.

So my problem is how can I get all three turtles to live in one happy space. I have noticed a few times that Shelly and Molly have knocked down the divider in the tank and co-existed in the Tank, but still I am affraid of possible aggresion and would feel horrible if anything ever happened, especially to Shelly. (P.s. Shelly is my fav. See Below for more details.)

So, How can I have a happy turtle community... When Will Shelly not want to mate, he is like 20 something years old. Does he ever want to stop. Will Leo ever want to be around other turtles? Will Molly grow up to be a mean female, like leo?

I think I know the answers, but I am looking for some one who has a long term experience. I have read many books and helped many newbies,but I just don't want to loose hope for my 3 turtles.

Thank you,
Lou

p.s. Why is Shelly my fav.?

Well Shelly is my first. He has always been the smarter turtle of the 3.
While growing up, I compared him to a dog. He will beg at your feet for food, if he hears someone trying to open the door, he will run to the door to great you. He has never tried to bite anyone. He is almost always not affraid and hiding in his shell. He understand a few commands, like stop and turn around. He eats out of my hand in the water.
When Leo was a little turtle, shelly would snuggle with Leo. Sometimes leo would lay on Shelly's back. Shelly would kill fish in the tank and it almost seemed like he would give half to Leo(when leo was little)

He was my bestest friend when i was a little kid. Very Happy

lilmike04 · Level 2 Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Posts: 76

well i know that male can mad if the female does not accpet the mateing dance . i think u should sperate the male from the females