General Care Discussion :: Turtles Waving Paws at Eyes

[comills]

I have two turtles one 3" and the other 4" in a 40 gallon tank that is filled about halfway. The 4" will wave its paws back and forth at the 3". I have seen the 4" do the same to the 3". I am wondering what this is, why they are doing it, how to stop it, and if it is harmful to their eyes.

[sonyj]

The fluttering of their claws at one another is a normal characteristic of RES. It is part of the mating ritual if they are mature turtles, or it can be a sign of aggression if they are not in a suitable sized habitat. Are there any other signs of aggression between them?

For turtles the size of yours they really should be in a larger tank with more water. Recommended size of tank is 10 gallons per inch of turtle. Together yours equal 7inches which would be at least a 70 gallon tank. Too small of space without room for each of them to have their own space can lead to signs of aggression. I'd keep an eye on them and try to upgrade their habitat as soon as possible.

In some cases, two turtles just will not get along with each other even in a larger tank, and therefore they must be separated permanently into their own individual tanks. Owners with multiple turtles must be aware of this and be ready to separate them if necessary.

[BROOKLYN]

By the looks of it, it seems that your enclosure is too small to fit both turtles that big. The fluttering of the claws in this situation most likely is the result of a territorial issue. The guideline (aka suggestion) is ""10 gallons per inch of turtle" which SONYJ mentioned. Some people might find that ridiculous but that's what most turtle owners suggest. However, even a large enclosure is no guarantee that multiple turtles in that environment will get along. What I suggest is that you watch out for any signs of aggression like biting. That is a starting point and most likely won't stop until both turtles in your case are separated. You will need to provide another set-up for your 3" turtle to solve this problem if it escalates to that point. If you can't provide another set-up when it becomes necessary, I suggest you put one up for adoption (to someone that is committed & responsible).

[comills]

I'm just wondering will 1 turtle living on its on get lonely or feel isolated. I know that turtles aren't humans but keeping two turtles will get too expensive. I have been thinking about having 1 turtle adopted to somebody responsbile. The two aren't biting each other, they do not seem to interact much other then put their paws out. One turtle will let me pet its shell gently, I do not take it out of the tank. The other turtle is afraid of me except when I have food.

[steve]

A turtle by itself is more than fine. It is believed they rarely encounter each other in the wild unless it's to mate or to compete for a prime basking area.

More than a few people have found it necessary to give away a turtle when keeping separate tanks isn't a viable option.