Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

My male has been really agressive towards the female lately.
I always catch them mating. If not, and he's active, he's usually biting at her shell.
He has done damage. Small fragments of her shell have chipped off where her head is.
Here it is the middle of a cold winter in New England, and that male just won't give up.

What would you recommend? Is this common? Just how much permanent damage can he do to her?

Thanks!

Is there any way you can separate them? Thats the most straightforward solution, but I realize it might not be the easiest, logistically, if your setup doesn't allow for it.
The male could do some pretty serious damage if he's actually chipping her shell: this could lead to infection. At the very least she's probably going to get stressed, which isn't good, either.
For the long term, start thinking about separate housing for them for next winter, or hibernating them, to avoid encountering this kind of problem in the future.
Are you the same person who posted about the recurring ear infection in your female a little while back?
Regards,
Stephanie

Thanks!

No, I hadn't posted about an ear infection.
But I had posted about a minor eye infection "pink eye" to be precise of my redfoot tortoise. He is all better now though thanks to eye droplets the vet prescribed.

Males tend to be very enthusiastic about mating, and really don't seem to calm down much as time passes, so separating them would be the kindest thing to do for yor female.
good luck!
I guess the other person was turtlegrl22.
Stephanie

I have had a male actualy kill a female from over aggression. The best way to stop that without separating them is to get one or two more females. This will eliminate the pressure on the one and eventually the male will get tired out.