Hi,
I have inherited a pond that has a couple Koi and 2 terrapins.
One small (about 6in length)
One bigger (10-12in length)
I have 2 questions:
1) Small one has been observed "circling" the big one with its front legs outstretched and almost like its trying to claw the big one's face
The big one doesnt have the same "claws" and doesnt seem phased...is this an issue?
2) Its gotten a little colder and the water is around 17C...little one is active, big one has not come out for a few days...I see it hiding under the reeds but am worried that it may "bullied" or scared...or just hibernating?
It sounds like the smaller terrapin is a male, and the larger one is the female. You describe what some male turtles do during their ritual.
Turn the terrapins upside down and look under their tails. A females "port" will be close to the base of her shell and the male will have his port further out. His tail will be short and stubby compared to the females tail that will be longer and thinner. Males will have the longer nails for the courting.
I don't believe she is getting bullied.
Not sure the history of that pond or how long they have been in that pond setting but do a search to educate yourself on the health and care of your terrapins.
I think there are a few forums out there that are strictly turtle forums that could answer your concerns
Ok great info, thanks.
The previous owners really liked their turtles from what I gathered and they took good care of them. Got loads of instructions from them.
But the water has gotten colder and maybe the female (larger) is hibernating and the male is trying his luck Glad to hear that its not going o cause either of them harm
Thanks
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Glad to hear that its not going o cause either of them harm
