General Care Discussion :: New Turtle--behavior questions?

[kikicool]

Hi there! So, I got a friend for Shmeegal...who is no longer shmeegal, as I found out she's a girl. I thought those WERE long claws!! Anyhoo...

so we got her a little friend, now that she has a bigger tank. They seem to be getting on okay! She is actually more interested in the new friend than he in her. She kinda follows him, and watches him. She really seems happy!!

here's the question: we noticed a strange thing. He was kinda hiding in the back, and she came over, and just floated in front of him, kind of a "check me out, I'm okay" thing. So they had their faces close together. Then he did the strangest thing: he took both his front paws, and placed them on either side of her face. His claws started moving--like jazz hands. She didn't move, and it only lasted a second. Then they floated away. It looked VERY sweet but um....

What the heck was that?!

To me, it looked very NON-aggressive: more like dancing. Was it a mating thing? Or is it aggression? Opinions??

Also, looking for names ....famous couples?? We got Samson and Delilah, Mickey and Mallory, Marge and Homer, and Herman and Lily are in the lead so far. Suggestions?

[flutterby]

It can be a sign of aggression and it is part of the mating dance as well. Just keep an eye on them. If they're new to being together it could be a territorial thing.

[kikicool]

OKay, great--it's the new guy that's doing it, so I'm guessing it's not territorial. I'll keep an eye out though, for sure. Also, she kinda sniffs his butt a lot. Is that just like dogs? Saying hi? Thanks for the advice!

[grey goose]

Sometimes it's mating, sometimes it's dominance, sometimes it's "excuse me, your in my spot"......or "in my face".......or "standing on my tail".....My three guys have been doing it to each other for months now and I don't know what to make of it. It all seems harmless, as it never goes any further. But I heard it could get ugly real quick, so keep an eye on them.....

[kikicool]

Thanks for the help, again. So, tonight... think it's okay to leave them together in the tank without supervision? Over night? We left them alone for two hours earlier, and they seem just fine. What do you think?

I really must get my digital camera and take some pix. They're so cute!!

[grey goose]

I think you'll be OK. I'd just watch for any signs of anxiety or aggression from either of them. How do they behave at feeding time? That could be an indicator of how well they get along overall.......

[kikicool]

Well, they're new today, and I put some rosies in there, as that is what the new guy apparently ate (exclusively! Ach!) I had fed shmeegel, er, Lily yesterday and already put in some veggies this AM. I will check it out tomorrow when I do a pellet feeding. Thanks for the quick advice!! I'm so excited, they're really quite sweet.

[Hoooneylynn]

OKay, great--it's the new guy that's doing it, so I'm guessing it's not territorial. I'll keep an eye out though, for sure. Also, she kinda sniffs his butt a lot. Is that just like dogs? Saying hi? Thanks for the advice!

Just because the new turt is doing it doesn't mean its not territorial.. turts are not like humans... he isn't saying to himself.. gee this was her home first so I have to respect that.. It's also his home and he doesn't realize it was hers first, he still considers it his territory too.. but it may be the mating thing! My girl does that to the glass sometimes but I don't know which it is.. Just watch out for any injuries!