General Care Discussion :: Fanning?

[khobbs]

Today I was sitting on the couch and looked over at the turtles. I couldn't tell if they were fighting, or if it was fanning. They get along very well and always have since I got them, so I really don't think it was fighting. My smaller turtle, Dana, was in front of Mercedes like clawing at her face, but not like trying to claw her eyes out or anything. They only did it for a second because I tried to get up and see if indeed it was fanning or fighting, but I really think it was fanning. Can anyone explain fanning a little better to me? At least I hope that's what it was.

[jenaero]

Fanning is actually when a male turtle exposes its penis. What you are seeing is usually related to territorial disputes and sometimes mating (with mature turtles). No need to worry unless you see any signs of aggression along with it.

[khobbs]

Ok, so it definitely wasn't fanning. I guess I thought that because I had read before that "waving" of the claws and fanning go together with the whole mating ordeal. I see no agression, so could it possibly be Dana just playing around with Mercedes? I just don't want it to lead to agression and then one of them getting hurt.

[jenaero]

Mine do it all the time. They've been together for a year and a half and it hasn't lead to any aggression yet. They'll do it to their own reflection, or to the rocks in the tank or to the filter. Funny lil things. Just keep an eye on them that's all.