Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This morning I woke up. . .and there they were, entiwined!! Tied!! Stuck like two dogs!!

I'd never had this happen before, nor heard of it happening in the wild. My male slider, Fred, had mated with my 1 and 9mos old female, Agnus. He's been coming on to her for ages. Well, this morning he was upside down at the bottom of the tank and she pulling him around.

I quickly pulled them both out, put them in a plastic container. I tried to pull them apart-gently-but to no avail. I then got some warm water, coaxed them a little, and gave another gentle tug. YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT I'D SEEN!

The male's reproductive ograns looked about the size of a cauliflower, and something of the same shape. It was black, and for a moment, I'd thought I pulled out his organs. I was so worried. . .but then, slowly, it crept back up into the sheath.

My fears are this, however, and I ask your advice. Is mating at all endangering to either one? Can the male drown? Does this happend in the wild? And is the male's reproductive organ really this large?

I couldn't believe it. But I guess-after this act-that Agnus is pregnant and I have to get her some dry land. Now what?

never pull him out like that! Lets cause him a lil pain in the wankie! OUCH! It swells up in there, its supposed to! pulling him out before he's ready could cause him pain, and you risk problems with the tool. Just Leave him be, mating is a natural act, he won't drown. Turtles can stay under for a long time.
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Buslady of SoCal
Breeder of Ornate Wood Turtles
Rhinoclemmys Pulcherrima Manni
Mom: Jessie; Dad: Donatello
Kids: Steve,Leo,Bender and Dax.
(sorry, my kids ain't fer sale)

It's too late now, but he's doing allright. It's just that I was afraid he couldn't get air, since he was actually upside down.

Next time I'll know better. I just wonder, however, if they still mated successfully then.