Urgent Care :: Male turtle bit female, now injured

[dpb]

It is time to upgrade the tank from 55gal to 100+. Recently my male turtle has been chasing the female and biting her on the butt. It hasn't done any damage before, but now I can see there is a wound a little smaller than a dime. The flesh looks a little raw, but dead.

Not sure what I should do to make sure it heals fine. I have separated the two for now so no more damage can take place. Should she be in water our out? Should I be putting anything on the wound to help in the healing process?

Thanks,
David

[theartbook35]

It's one thing if it were an accidental bite, like while scrambling to get to food. But this male turtle is probably going to keep on chasing the female even if you get a bigger tank.

I think it might be easier for you to just get another 55 gallon and put one of them in it, permanently. You can make a 55 gallon last a long time.

Clean the wound with neosporin, and dry dock in a plastic tub or a box. Keep the dry dock area at 88 to 90 degrees. Let the female go into the water to drink and eat once a day. Check the wound 2 to 3 times daily, and make sure it doesn't produce any foul smells. If it starts to smell bad, see a vet.

[dpb]

Thank you. I have her dry docked and we shall see how the healing goes.

[theartbook35]

Good, good, keep us updated.

[sflemin2]

I hope you find a bigger tank. Keep an eye on them when you switch though. My turtles dont fight but they had to reestablish the dominance in the 150 gallon too.

[theartbook35]

I hope you find a bigger tank. Keep an eye on them when you switch though. My turtles dont fight but they had to reestablish the dominance in the 150 gallon too.

Ty and Cane were the exact same way when they switched to a new tank, so, I'd definitely keep an eye on their behavior if you keep them together.

[Ccraig]

I have 2 females that have been in the same tank for over 3 years. Today one bit off the very end of the others trail. Should I treat the same as your above stated advice? I don't want her to die. Both are are about 5 in and the tank is 55 gal.
Thank you for any advice you can give

[sflemin2]

As long as the actual opening under the tail isnt damaged, she won't die. do what theartbook35 reccomends to heal without infection. And I agree with getting a second tank rather than one big one if you have the room