Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2016 10:21 am Re: Res Behavioral and growth questions
I agree totally with Steve . I do think they are being competitive for food. Mine also do this but I make sure they all eat as you do as well. That had to result in the size difference for sure. Steve has also mentioned on another recent thread on territorial issues . The only other thing here that I see that you mentioned was possible an egg bound issue and you mentioned that you did not think so being that you felt that she was not old enough. I think you are right here. I do not know if you intend to breed them but this will correspond with what Steve stated on separation due to territorial issues.
The one turtle that you stated appears to be lethargic and resting on the bottom at times, does it do this all the times or sometimes? I have one that does this as well but it is not for long periods at all mainly in the wee hours of the morning and only sometimes she does. How often does yours?
Most breeders of reptiles in general, keep their breeders separated and even babies separated depending on the species. Baby snakes and many times of lizards can be cannibalistic as newborns, such as rat snakes, boas, pythons and of course kingsnakes, bearded dragons, water dragons, tequs and monitors for example. Though it does not happen often, it does sometimes. These are some examples. I am unaware if any species of turtles do this. But as sub adults and adults, breeders of all reptiles tend to keep them separate for the upcoming breeding cycles as well. The dominance factors and by keeping them separated during the year and going through the temperature cycles before courtship matters a great deal. It is like instant courtship and love at first sight sort of speak. With them being together year round even if they get along, the chances of the courtship seems less desired reducing your chances of successful copulation (though not in all cases but most, it reduces) . Breeders also due to the dominance issues tend to always place the females into the males enclosure during breeding and the reason for this is, the male is already used to his domain, he has explored it all this time and knows where he likes to be best during any given time. A female would not of been in his cage for a long time, once she enters in simple terms, her scent goes out to him and he is attracted directly to her all while she is exploring this new environment. With her scent being spread through his cage, he is not concerned about being dominant more than he is concerned about ummmm getting some fun and action in lol. Hope this helps a lot and it does corrispond somewhat on what both of you pointed out and various reasons why to keep them separated.
Confirmed Sexed Pair of Albino Red Ear Sliders, Baby Albino and Hybino Red Ear Slider and Adult Normal Male Red Ear Slider
