General Care Discussion :: Bad introduction of my turts

[Linus]

So its a hot day here in Socal so I decided to put my Belize in the pond with Kingler for an hour or two. They have never met each other before so I was anxious. After about 5 minutes of putting Agamemnon in the pond, she came up for air followed by Kingler. They looked like they didn't mind each other adn that they were just getting used to each other.

The next time they came up for air, Kingler striked on Agamamnon but hit her shell. They both dove back under. I eventuallty fished both of them out and was going to bring Agamemnon back inside but I still had to do a 50% water change, so I gave them another chance. My dad stayed outside and kept wathc. He told me Kingler chased Agamamnon around the pond and got a few strikes on her shell. I then seperated them and they're both safe in their pond/tank.

Should I give this another shot in a week or so or what?

[theartbook35]

Knowing how aggressive Belize sliders can get, I wouldn't risk another encounter. They made it quite clear that they did not enjoy each others company.

[marisa]

Belize sliders are more agressive than other sliders???

How big is the pond? Are there hiding places for them to get away from each other?

From your description, it sounds like one is more dominant than the other, and unless you have a really huge pond with hiding areas, there will be continual harrassment. Even with a big pond, there still could be trouble.

[Linus]

My Belize wasn't the problem, it was my RES.

My pond is 125G. Their are a few good hiding spots.

We put Belize back in, their was still some harrasment.

Our new idea is to get a clear tube that only Belize could fit in that would protect her from Kingler until they get used to each other.

Or

We could foster another RES from the pound for a few weeks so we could get Kingler used to other turtles.

[theartbook35]

Yes marisa, Belize sliders seem to have a reputation for being aggressive when they reach full size. I haven't ever met a belize slider in person, but I've read this from a lot of sources. (They also get between 15 and 17 inches).

Taking how big Belize sliders can get, into consideration, and the behavior your RES showed, I would keep them separate. Kingler is going to kick the crap out of that foster turtle, unless you put them in a neutral playing field at the same time.

[marisa]

I'd like to know at least a few of your many sources...

[Caphits]

Probably: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/c ... slider.htm

I would love to see a full grown B. Slider in real life. It would be a monster!

[marisa]

Well, this is a coincidence, I was planning to refer to that site. The info I read on austin's http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/c ... slider.htm says:

"Adults can achieve a carapace length of 10" for females and 6 - 7" for males."

Austin's also makes no mention of any especially aggressive temperment (sliders are agressive by nature). I would think that if this were a common characteristic, it would have been brought to potential keepers' attention.

Btw, they're tropical and should really only be in the same enclosure with other compatible species from the same geographical region (this would not be RES).

[Caphits]

I think ATP is messed up.
Click on mine.

[Linus]

The one with the 10" is right. The other is an older version. Paul C.(the Breeder) Has been breeding them for years, my turt came from him and its mother is only 10". He's never seen one bigger than 12". Emoli(Nicaragaun Slider) are the ones that get huge.

Btw, they're tropical and should really only be in the same enclosure with other compatible species from the same geographical region (this would not be RES)

Its only for summers when the temp is fine for both of them.

[theartbook35]

I'd like to know at least a few of your many sources...

I talked to a few people on some forum a long time ago, when I was trying to figure out what species of turtle I had, when we first got Cane and Ty. They all said their belize sliders were really aggressive with them. But who knows, they all could've just socialized them really bad.

I did look up a care sheet the other day, when I was searching for something else. That one said they are social turtles. Now I am confused...

Gotta say though... RES are known for being aggressive towards other turtles. I've never read in any of the care sheets I've searched, about their temperament. In fact, the only thing they ever said on temperament, occasionally, was that they were really friendly with people. No, they aren't all the time. Doesn't seem like anybody wants to say how turtles get along with other turtles.

[Linus]

Well today Agamemnon was in the pond for 6 hours while we built the new filter(pics up tomorrow hopefully). We built her a hide from a bowl that she used once when she was getting pushed around. But for the last 2-3 hours the girls were just chillin together so everythings looking good.