Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I put my two turtles in a smaller container for feeding, as i usually do. I went to get their food and when i came back, the bigger one had clamped down on the small ones back foot. It wouldnt let go. I picked them up and kept trying to pry his mouth off of his foot. Finally after about 5 minutes, i got him to let go. What do i do now? Seperate completely or what? They've been together since birth and have always gotten along. Thanks for the help.

What is the size difference and did the bigger one actually cut into the small one's foot. Sounds like he got a bit excited about getting a meal and didn't want to wait for you to get back with the food rather than a deliberate attempt to bite off the other turtle's foot.

If the size difference is not that much and the bigger guy did not cut the the small one I would say you have two choices:

Play it totally safe and split them up. Or put them back in the tank and observe them to see if the bigger guy continues to assault the little one when they are not in the feeding tub.

If they are peaceful together in the tank then just feed them separately to avoid the larger one being aggressive. BUT -- If the larger one is big enough to bite off a limb or a head he really should not be trusted to be left with the little one (even if he never was aggressive in the first place.)

There's not much size difference. The bigger one is just barely different. They are both tiny hatchlings, 3-4 months old. They've always gotten along perfectly fine, never seen any signs of aggression from either. I did feed them seperately and i've just put them back into the tank together. So far so good, back to normal. I think your right about the food thing, the bigger one just got a little bit excited. When they see me bring in the food bowl, they both go nuts swimming to the top of the water. So they know when they're being fed. Well, i'll continue to moniter them, thanks for the advice.

No, it didnt cut into the foot. He looks unharmed to me. And i dont think he is big enough to completely bit a limb off. I took a pic of them together but my stupid computer hardly ever reads my digital camera for some reason. There is not much size difference at all. The are maybe an inch to 2 inches wide, if even that.

sounds like they will be fine. Just feed separately and watch them. I doubt you have much to worry over.

Mine are 14 years old. The female once and a while does the same thing. She'll bite at the male's back foot. no injury has ever resulted. and 95% of the rest of the thime they get along fine. One way to look at it.. could you live with someone in a tank, and get along perfectly with out any squabbles.. lol.. I think the male has nipped at the female once too.. I don't think it's anything to worry about.. as long as it doesn't happen often.