Urgent Care :: Question 2 turtles

[Wgiles]

I have 2 RES not sure if male or female I know one is bigger then the other. I have had them for about 10 years. So here's the story they are in a 55 gallon tank have been for 4 years occasionally the smallest one will latch on to the skin between the tail and shell. The big one will swim around drastically trying to get loose. I have also never had them under a light there shells are still hard. Sorry was 16 when I got them never had any training. They made it 10 years without one I just want to make sure I give them the best life possible. So my main question is why are they latching on and should I get a light this far into it (10 years)

[marisa]

Welcome. I have to ask---what do you mean by "10 years into it?" It's never too late to improve their habitat, and correct lighting is an important part of providing a healthy environment for them. They should be able to bask under both a UVB light and heat light, especially during the winter months if it's cold where you are or they're unable to get unfiltered sunlight in warm weather. What do their shells look like? Did they regularly shed scutes when they were younger?

If you want someone to check the sex, you could post pictures of their tails (showing the undersides and the anal vents) as well as their front claws. At their age, though, the smaller one is most likely male and the larger one a female.

Does the one that latches on to the other ever break the skin or cause injury? You might want to consider separating them, especially if the harassment gets worse or the turtle being bitten gets injured.

[Wgiles]

I guess that was my big question. My parents bought them for me in Myrtle Beach when I was 16 I am 27 now. I was never educated on taking care of them just done what I could and what I thought was best. The lighting never came across my mind. However they are next to a big window so they can get sunlight. The shed there shells just fine. I will take pictures of them on my next day off so I can further educate myself on how to take care of them. Like I said I have had them for 11 years now and they are doing great except for the occasional latching on but that happens very seldom. I will look into splitting them up if it happens again.

[missibsu]

Sunlight from a window may be what has helped them get through this long, but it is also filtering out the UVB. To reap the full benefits of the sunlight there cannot be any glass between the sun and your turtles. Best bet is to buy a UVB bulb, now that you know.

Just an FYI also, rubbermaid containers make great temporary tanks, just in case you need to separate your turts in a hurry.