General Care Discussion :: weird arm shaking behavior

[awkward_turtle]

This is the second time i noticed this since i got my turtles. Two turles appear to be arguing or something back andforth shacking their hands at eachother i dont know how else to describe it. They aren't violent with each other besides this funny behavior

[Kurtni]

It may not look violent, but it can be a sign of aggression and may lead to your turtles biting each other. Do you know the gender of your turtles?

[awkward_turtle]

No they are still very small about1.5 inches

[Tokapeli]

i may be wrong but i think that is common mating behavior

[steve]

It's called fluttering. It can mean either aggression or mating behavior.

[slapchuck]

It's called fluttering. It can mean either aggression or mating behavior.

steve, how do we know if they're doing this because of aggression or because of mating? my RES do this to my other RES but they don't seem to be fighting after. Is this mating? I don't think so since they are just about 1.5 to 2". What do you think?

[Love of Animals]

At 1.5 to 2 inches they aren't ready for mating. It can be the start of aggression. Keep a close eye on them.

[steve]

The female would also not want constant attention, so her rejection could eventually lead to the male's frustration and aggression.

[slapchuck]

thanks guys. do i need to separate them now? i don't have yet the budget for another tank coz i just built this new one for them.

[steve]

You still have time... hopefully you'll have girls and they get along.