General Care Discussion :: My Terrapins - couple of questions

[calpolsixplus1]

Hi Guys, im in the UK and have recelty joined the forum – loving all the info so far. Im currently in the process of building an above tank basking area, inspired by the ones seen on here – will keep you posted on that. http://tinypic.com/r/2iw3er6/5

I have a couple of questions about my terrapins,

First off, do i have a male and female? they are about 4.5 years old and i bought them as a pair,They are begging to act differently to each other, doing the 'vibrating hands' trick – is this a mating ritual? should i be concerned - it does seem one is often trying to mount the other in the water,

the bigger of the 2
http://tinypic.com/r/f3utj9/5

secondly, could anyone confirm if these are map turtles? or if not, any info on what they might be?

and finally, the rear of this terrapins shell is a darker colour and seems to have a larger lump ontop (pictured), - is this a problem or is it soo to shed?
http://tinypic.com/r/2817q5f/5
http://tinypic.com/r/2iw3er6/5

Thanks

R

[rsour24]

they are map turtles, looks to me that there is one female and one male, as far as the dark coloration i am not sure, someone else on here will know better and hopefully can confirm my opinion

[calpolsixplus1]

Thanks rsour24,

thank you for confirming they are map turtles!

Do you know if it is likely that i will have problems in the future due to being male and female, i.e fighting, mating etc. or is it possible for a pair to live in harmony.

thanks
R

[eaw]

I unfortunately cannot assist you with the identification of the turtles.

As for keeping the turtles together, it all depends, really. You'll find some people that have two or more turtles of different sexes living together, with no problems whatsoever. Others cannot keep their turtles together because of behavioral issues, and will strongly advise against having more than one turtle per tank.

If you want to keep them together, just be wary, and always have another tank/rubbermaid container handy in case something were to happen, such as a tail being bitten off or one of them falls sick. You may not want to have that added responsibility of needing to watch the turtles more carefully. It's up to you in the end, however.

[calpolsixplus1]

thank you for the insights, will keep an eye on them incase of any agressive behaviour - will post pictures of the tank soon

[calpolsixplus1]

Hi Guys,

here is the tank setup - http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2iu5lcl&s=7

is it normal for the terrapins not to venture to the new area? its been 24 hours now and they havnt even attempted. do they need more time? or a more encouraging slope to the new level?

R

[Linus]

Give them more time. I can't tell on the first one, but the 2nd one is def. a false map turtle.

BTW you're going to want to get rid of that gravel. If they swallow it they can die.

[calpolsixplus1]

thanks guys, the gravel isnt that small its actually pebbled from the beach (washed) but as they get bigger i may change it just incase, thank you, what would you reccomend instead?

Also i saw one of the terrapins up on the basking area today, seemed very wary though and dived back into the water when i came close, I have not seen the other up thier however


R

[steve]

It helps to give new turtles space and time to adjust. Covering the sides of the tank might help too.

[calpolsixplus1]

thanks guys - they did infact start to use the new area (one alot more than the other) but have not recently changed the slope to a more semi-pernament replacement and they have stopped again :/

R

[steve]

If the pebbles are smaller than their entire head, it should be taken out. I suggest some pool filter sand... many people have used it with great success.