Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I've got two box turtles and one, who is definitely a male, is trying to mate with the other. Except, I'm not sure if the other is male or female. I've read EVERYTHING online about sexing the turtle and i get some features of both. So on Sunday, I caught my turtles mating. When they finished, the smaller turtle (the "female" took off running for cover. (This may have been her first time) So now the larger male turtle is trying to go for round two and the "female" is NOT having it. "She" is closed up in her shell tight and the male keeps "biting" at her shell (where her head is.) So is this normal? And would a male try to mate with another and actually be successful? Can someone please give me some insight?? Thanks!

It can still be two males. There is a chance that the bigger male is showing dominance to the smaller one. The smaller one may be going into its shell because of the aggression. Pictures would help for sexing purposes.

It is very possible that you have two male, one trying to dominate the other. Biting at the shell can cause damage and the two should be housed seperately for now! Just put a barrier in the pen. Even if it is a female-she should not have to tolerate this type of agression. In the wild she can run and get away, but in our pens it is up to the pet owner to make sure the turtle is protected from agression and possible permanent damage to the shell, face or jaw.