The right to breed

Philippines
September 20, 2007 9:42am CST
I have a pair of red eared sliders in an aquarium and they are nearing maturity. The male turtle already swimming at the front of the female and showing off his long nails and vibrates it at the head of the female indicating that he is doing a mating dance. Both turtles are already two (2) years old. Based on my research, male turtles turtles reach maturity at 2 yrs old while the female at 5 or 6 yrs of age. Do we have the right to breed them in our own homes or put the two turtles in seperate tanks and end the mating between them? Ferritic
1 response
ldybug1752
@ldybug1752 (32)
• United States
17 Oct 07
There is absolutely no reason to breed your turtles. They should be in separate tanks! There are WAY too many people breeding turtles, especially in Florida, and most of them die due to inadequate facilities and care. If your male turtle is doing his dance, it could mean one of two things: He's ready to mate; or he's getting angry. When they dance like that it could very well mean "Get OUT of MY tank!!" Turtles are NOT sociable creatures. Breeding your turtles is an unnecessary, almost cruel act. Don't do it. No offense, but if you don't know the answer to your question, what right do you think you have to breed them in the first place? You need to do more research! Best of luck to you and your turts!
1 person likes this
ldybug1752
@ldybug1752 (32)
• United States
30 Oct 07
Yes, it's true some turtles can live together. I've known people who had 4 full grown, healthy turtles living together in one tank. This person also correctly housed them and gave them a big enough tank to meet their "territorial needs". The same goes for any animal. Take dogs for example, you have a female dog, and bring in a male dog, chances are, they're going to try to mate. BUT there's also the chance that they will not get along from the start. It all depends. Turtles, by nature, are not sociable. They are loners, and very territorial.
1 person likes this
ferritic
@ferritic (82)
• Philippines
31 Dec 07
Ldybug1752, Thank you for your comments regarding turtle breeding. I am lucky to learn somethings regarding turtle as pets. Sorry if it took me several months to reply on your comment, I was not able to open the mylot discussion since I was assigned in a plant were internet connection and cellular phones are restricted. More power, Ferritic