General Care Discussion :: Separation?(need advice)

[N4784N R4613]

So, I have two RES(sizes in signature) in a 240 gallon tank. I recently put a new above tank basking dock on. For the past week I have watched my smaller RES follow my bigger RES all over the tank(he never used to do this). In the past three days I have watched this little guy flutter the bigger one more, and more. Well, today was really bad. the little one would NOT leave the bigger one alone!!! after about 4 hours of this, the bigger one had enough. He took a snap at the smaller ones head, just nipping the corner of his head. I grabbed the little guy, and I didn't see any damage. I haven't seen anything since then, but I got the old set-up running again, in case they try anything else again.

So, do you guys think I should separate the 240 gallon in half? Or just let them be?

Thanks for any advice,

Nathan Radle.

[megcornell]

They're a little small to be sexually mature but it sounds to me like diesel is chasing tank to mate. It'd be just stupid of him to chase tank out of aggression if tank is the larger turtle.

Do you have anywhere in the tank that the turtles can go and get out of each other's line of vision? Like a mass of plants to hide in or even a large PVC pipe? Sometimes just being able to visually get away from each other helps.
If the aggression/chasing continues though, you're probably going to need to divide the tank.

Sadly, you'll have a perfect example of why even with ample space sometimes RES just don't co-exist together well.

[ZombieTurtle]

i think you should see how they act together for a little longer, then determine if they need to be moved.
i think they might need to be split up.

[camee1991]

Oh man! I would half that tank quick! They may be small...but once one bites; they normally wont stop...especially if it has a little aggravator. It is sad; but since RES are "happy" loners anyway; they should be fine!

Good Luck and keep us posted!

[N4784N R4613]

Yes, they have allot of plants in the tank, and a few spots to hind in, and behind. They seem to be back to normal now, but the very next time I see anything, I will move the smaller one into the old set-up until I can separate the big tank, and basking dock.

[camee1991]

Keep a REALLY close eye on them! Better to be safe than sorry.

[SpotsMama]

With that big tank, if you can find a way to divide it that would be best. I've heard of a smaller turtle (usually a male) harrassing a bigger turtle (female) until she can't take it any more and she strikes and can do a lot of damage. Once they start I don't think they'll stop.

There was a thread on here recently from someone with a male and female in a big pond and for some reason (probably got tired of being harrassed) the female turned on the male and intimidated him and bit him pretty badly. Those two had to be separated which was a little tricky with a pond.

[N4784N R4613]

But there only 2, and 3 inches SCL?

P.S. Congrats Spots, and Meg!!!

[Tenodera]

Are you able to tell at least one of their genders?

[SpotsMama]

well, like megcornell said they're awfully small to be playing mating games but obviously something's going on. A bite from a little turtle wouldn't be too bad to you or me but I imagine it could be pretty painful to another little turtle.

(and thanks!!!)

[N4784N R4613]

No, I can't tell genders yet. But if I had to guess, I would go with, Tank female, and Diesel male. Yeah i know, tank bit me the other day, when I went to pick him up to feed him, it was a STRONG pinch. I added some feeder fish to try and distract them, it seems to be working...

[N4784N R4613]

It is done. Diesel was at it again, and I wasn't going to wait for Tank to get mad this time. So, I moved Diesel into the old set-up(29 gallon long) until I can find time to separate the 240 gallon in half. I feel so sad. RES are bull headed, I'll tell you what.

[megcornell]

That's too bad that they had to be separated, but I'm glad you did it before either one got seriously hurt. They'll both be happier in the long run with their own spaces.

[N4784N R4613]

Thanks. Yeah, I'm sure Diesel will be happier, but Tank doesn't even care. He just continues casing his fish.

[tennisnut]

I think I'm having the same problem with the fluttering.

I saw Shell (a 2") fluttering his/her claws at Pebbles (a 3") a few weeks ago. Pebbles was munching on some bell pepper and Shell looked kind of inquiring and attempted to flutter his claws in Pebbles' face. Pebbles ignored it and continued munching on the peppers, didn't seem bothered by it, so I wasn't really concerned.

Today, I saw it again, except it was Pebbles doing the fluttering. They were getting really close to each other (touching outstretched heads) and didn't look aggressive. I just kind of tapped on the glass and they separated and started begging for food. =)

Most the time I see them, they are chilling and ignoring each other, and I see them basking together a lot, so I believe they are chums. Should I be worried?