Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Nieghbor had RES approx. same age as mine (9 mths), but a little smaller (both less than 5 inches). She no longer wants it, so I offered to take it. I am pretty sure mine is a male. There was no biting when they were introduced, however within the hour they were getting in each others face and vibrating their front legs. Is this an establishing the pecking order thing or a courtship thing?? I am unsure as to the sex of the new one. Any help please. If this is aggression, I will probably have to find a new home for the newest one. Or, should I give it a little time, but watch them closly (which I am doing anyhow).

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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:0 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

Males are usually smaller than males and males have a curved inward bottom shell, while females are flat. Also the females tale is longer than a males. Your probably gonna have to get them probed.

I was asking about the behavior. Is this an "establishing the pecking order" thing, an "I don't like you" thing, or a "hey good lookin'" thing. I guess the last one would be a male female thing (at least I hope it would be!!) Just trying to figure the vibrating foot behavior.
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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:0 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

You said that your turtles are about 9 months old. If they
are just shy of 5" they are growing too quickly. I would
re-evaluate what you are feeding them and how often.

Linda

I said they were both LESS than 5 inches. The pic in the original post is of the bigger of the two. And to update they are getting along splendedly. Sleep together, eat together, and bask together. No aggression at all.
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Jenea

1:3 Eastern Hognose
0:0:1 Florida Redbelly Snake
0:1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle
1:1 Red-eared Slider
2:0 Cats
1:1 Kids
1:0 Spouse

putting their hands in front of their faces pointed outwards going back and forth is a courtship thing.

Males are smaller tham females, but the males have the longer tail. The males also have very long front nails that he will wave in front of the females face during courtship.