Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a painted about 1 year and 3 months old. We recently found a baby RES on our driveway in June and put him in the same tank. At first, the painted nipped at him in the tank but stopped and didn't do it again. Then he bagan to attack him during feeding so I feed them separetely now but was advised that they would be ok housed together, which they have up until a day or 2 ago. Now the painted is chasing the baby RES and nipping at his hind legs again on occasion. Do you think I should be concerned and have the RES in a separate tank or is he still trying to get used to the new kid on the block?
Thanks.

I had the same problem the other way around. Im not sure but it could be a territory thing especialy if the tank isnt big enough or maybe because the one turtle has been alone for so long. As a child I had a painted turtle for about 3 years then got another and they got along fine. Also I notice females could be rather mean sometimes. Try a bigger enclosure or wait till the one gets bigger.

Thanks for the insight. I have been toying with the idea of getting a larger tank. Maybe it is time.
The most recent is the painted is leaning on top of the baby RES (as if he is trying to get on top of the baby) during basking. I was concerned that he may be too big to do that but my husband thiks it is ok. For a little while, the baby RES was on top of the painted (which was very cute). I guess I am trying to figure out if the painted just doesn't realize he is larger or if he is being domineering.

The dominant turtle will grab what it thinks is the best basking spot. Im not sure if you know but that res will grow to double the size of the painted, so depending on how you feed them you will need a bigger enclosure sooner rather than later.

Yikes! I didn't realize the RES will be larger! I'd better get it soon. Thanks for the info.

Yeah, eastern painted females max out at about 8-9 inches, but most are smaller than that. RES females max out at 10-12 inches. Take 2-4" off the max length for males of both species.

Also, never mix a female anything with a male painted unless you have a HUGE enclosure, lots of hide spots, and at least two females per male. Male painteds are jerks.

Never mix a juvenile with an adult, or juvenile with a hatchling. Even a 3" juvenile with a hatchling is asking for trouble.

Katrina

Thanks. I separated them for now but I am receiving a 30 gallon tank in Sept. for them. Should I put a divider in there (i.e., plexiglass)?