General Care Discussion :: fighting

[SR1981]

Hi i adopted two 8yo res(males) a couple of weeks ago everything was fine up until the last couple of days i noticed they are fighting a lot

(doing the mating dance ,one flaring its privates then fighting really aggressively)

do you think they have always done this or should i try and re-home one as soon as possible as i have no other tank to keep it in
don't really want to split them up as they have been together for 8 year but
they cant be happy if they are fighting

[megcornell]

The fluttering you're describing is a sign of aggression.
How large is your tank? If it's too small they can feel cramped and fight with their tank mate. Sometimes even with ample space two turtles simply can't cohabitate.
Once they start fighting the best thing to do is to separate them. Since you're not interested in two set ups I'd start contacting herp rescues and herp societies to try to rehome one of the males. You can also put an add up-- just be sure to interview the person. Ask for pictures of the tank, what experience they have with turtles, do they have a herp vet in case they ever need one, etc.

[mikee]

SR1981 -- Before you can pin point what is up with your turtles you must/should have 10 gallons per inch of turtle. If they are cramped up, they do have a tendency to get aggressive. It usually starts when feeding and one bites another’s foot and the and then back and fourth. With that many turtles on one tank you will need a very good filter system.

[SR1981]

i have a 90 gallon tank with an external filter, the turtles are about 5 inches each

[mikee]

Sir!! Ten gallons, are recommended, for each inch of turtle. They are big enough to do some damage to each other. Eight. in 90 gallons is cramped for these guys. You may want to review the stickys for an up date.

[megcornell]

Well it sounds like you have a few options sr1981.
A 90 gallon is the perfect size for a life-time home for one adult male turtle, so you have one covered.
You can try some alternatives to reduce the fighting like adding plants to obstruct their view of each other and give the illusion of privacy. Or for a short time you could divide the tank. I say short time because two five inch turtles really max out a 90 gallon tank, but it would be sufficient for the time being while you find either a second tank or a new home for one of the males.

[SR1981]

i took these guys on because they where not kept as pets they had been kept in this 90 gallon tank on display in a Chinese restaurant without uva/uvb bulbs etc

u have a new owner for one of the guys i was just wondering would they get miss each other ( dont laugh ) because the had been brought up together for 8 years or would they be glad of the extra space , piece and quite

[megcornell]

It's a common belief that turtles enjoy the company of other turtles. I think it's because people always see them cramming onto logs together to bask in nature. However, in large ponds and lakes in their natural habitat turtles are just coming together to get a good basking area. In reality, turtles are pretty solitary. Your turtle will enjoy having his own space, you don't have to worry about him being lonely. Not only that, but without the stress of fighting, he'll be much healthier.

[SR1981]

thanks for your advice and time taken to reply

[steve]

If they're fighting then it doesn't seem like they will miss each other.