agression

Question
I have a turtle that i have had for about a year now and i purchesed a smaller turtle about 6 months ago. the larger turtle is a red eared slider and the smaller one is a yellow bellied turtle. when we first got them slim the smaller one of the two was way to small to put in the tank with spanky the larger of the two. So now that he is larger we try to put them together and the larger one spanky does this weird thing like he is trying to push slim the smaller of the two turtles to the bottom of the tank. Is this a type of aggression? should we leave them in separate tanks? or do they just have to get used to one another?

Answer
Hi Ashley,

I think it is either a form of aggression, or there is not enough basking space for the both of them.

You can try letting them get used to each other (I don't know if this will work but it's worth a try as long as there is no biting and the smaller turtle gets enough air).  I wouldn't let it go on for too long though because it is likely stressing the smaller turtle.

I trained my mud turtle to live with each other (the newer one is also the smaller one) by spending a day (or was it two?) by their pond.  Whenever the big one would pick on the small one I would give the larger turtle a firm tap on the top of the shell.  Eventually he'd wait until I was gone so I had to hide until he felt safe to punk the small turtle again.  As soon as he felt safe and started to turn his attention to the smaller turtle I tapped him out of nowhere.  The idea is to "correct" their instincts... each time they feel the instinct to dominate you instantly correct it by introducing fear.  If you are consistant the turtle will quickly learn to associate the desire to bully with the fear of the surprise tap and will no longer want to do it.

However, you must make sure the turtles are not stressed for any other reason.  Meaning, they have enough room, UVA/UVB light, room to bask, good nutrition, etc.  

You are the best judge of whether they should be in seperate tanks.  It does not harm them in any way to be apart and it may be the best for the smaller turtle.  Try to put yourself in their place and then go with your gut feeling.

Good luck!

-Amanda