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We have two turtles. We got the oldest one a new firend 4 years ago. They are in a large kiddie pool inside and have been very happy together. But just lately the older one has been attacking the other. He has some bad bites onhim. We have separated them so the one can heal. Why is this happening and what can we do? I think they are both males.

There is no clear explanation as to why it is happening, but turtles are solitary creatures, especially in captivity where their living environments are small and restricted. Most turtles kept will become aggressive at any time towards the other turtle, for unknown reasons, though space and territory are common reasons. For this reason, it is best to separate your turtles or keep only one to prevent further damage, turtles don't know when to stop.

Any idea how much water the kiddie pool holds? I don't know how big your turtles are, but rule of thumb suggests 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. Even with those recommendations, it's possible for aggression to start. Pizza made some good points, I'll second them. I also wouldn't sugget trying to put them back in the same habitat. Most likely they won't get along, possibly even with an upgrade.

Sometimes it happens, they just quit getting along. I have one 6 inch red ear that HAS to stay alone...when put with any others he bites them. For the saftey I would seperate. This could get worse and it's not worth losing one.

The pool is pretty big, 54" diameter and about 8" deep. The turtles are both about 7 " long. There's a long bridge set up with a lamp for basking that they can both easily fit on and they have piled up on it before. So I don''t think it's territorial. But it looks like we have to separate them permanently. We don't want Rufus to get hurt any more. We have decided to put a barrier across the middle of the pool and add another basking place. Thanks for you help.

The pool sounds too small for them; the depth isn't really the best for the either, given their size.

I assume that the pool can be filled up higher. I don't see how even kids can "swim" in 8 inch water. Increase the water level or, since I assume you have all the equipment, pick up a nice big stock tank. (very cheap)

If the kiddy pool is like the one I used to use, it's only about 8 or 10 inches high... (they're not mean for kids to really swim in, more to wade in).