Hey everyone,
I have kept several RES's for many years and currently have one male and one female, both full grown in an indoor pond.
Occasionally the male has bit the female, but this spring (assuming it to be breeding season) he has been biting consistently and the female is looking pretty ragged. I've been giving her lots of time in the tub away from the male and dry time to allow for hibitane ointment application (I find this works great for small sores or shell problems). The water is kept as clean as possible. I am going to seperate the male into a large travel container asap.
My question is if this tends to be temporary? I have never seen this before and have had this male for about 4 years.
These are all rescue animals that have become my pets (not a native species. They came from unwanting owners)
If this female has any problems with any of the wounds she'll be taken immediatly to work to see the vet.
The female does get some time in a cage full of vermiculite to endorse egg laying as she has recently laid a few in the water and had interest in the cat litter box!
I don't want to breed, but also don't want to have an egg-bound female.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated