Urgent Care :: Tail bitten off.

[gdesigner]

The thing is, I actually rescued the small one 1.5" from a friend who's son won it but did not have the means to take care of it. He has been in 2 months and has been fine, but the other day I saw that a part of Ikes tail was missing. I came to the conclusion that my 4" turtle named spike actually bit it off. Spike has been in the tank for 6 months. He doesn't even seem phased by it. Do you guys think this will progress into a debilitating or fatal attack on the little guy, I would never want that. I just don't know what I could to with him. I live in the city and in a 1 bedroom apartment and can't release him or get another tank for him. What are your opinions. Thanks.

[steve]

A debilitating or fatal attack is defiantly possible, especially with the size difference. They need to be kept separate until they are similar in size and since there has already been a serious incident, I would move to separate as soon as possible. Once they are older, you can see if they get along, however male RES usually don't.

[my.lovely.turtle.]

Unfortunately separation is the only way.

[gdesigner]

Well I really do not have the means to have another tank, so would a tank divider be sufficient?

[Jaysea]

You could use one of those, just remember you'll need to also set up 2 areas for them to bask, so 2 sets of lights one for each turtle.

[my.lovely.turtle.]

The gallons of each half of the tank have to be sufficient for the turtle. (Ten gallons of water* = one inch of turtle)
*Edited by marisa

[LuvMySoldier]

Just get one of the cheap rubber maid tubs and set up another "tank" in it with its own set up... way cheaper!

[bradmeisel]

i use a divider so I can use one filter. Egg crate works well as a divider.

[rrebeccag]

I've been reading various post on this issue. I have two turtles which I think are male and female. One is almost twice the size of the other and by the description I think its a girl. I got them about 2 years ago from a cousin and they were almost the same size. Several months ago I notice the smaller one's tale had been bitten off. I kept an eye on it and it seems to heal but the large one is attacking the smaller one again. What are the reasons this happens? I realize I will have to separate them before he ends up dying. I have a 55gallon tank and on one side I stacked a bunch of rocks so they could bask but it takes up too much space so I was thinking buying two of those floating docks with sucking cups and dividing the tank somehow and see how it goes. I assume the tail will never grow back? I can't believe I waited this long to look into this. I feel terrible but hopefully I can make him (I think) more comfortable going forward.
ALso, I bought fish for them to eat and I never saw them even go after the fish once though I have notices several fish are gone so either they died in the crevices or were eaten.
Any advice will be greatly welcomed.

[bradmeisel]

Fish were eaten. Separate as soon as possible. Floating islands save a bunch of space. Also hammocks save space too. Good luck

[rrebeccag]

Thanks bradmeisel. Any idea why this carnivorous behavior and I am I right in assuming the larger one is female? It has really long nails too. I also notice it being every so loving at times caressing the smaller one with a sort of vibration from its front feet to the other's face, barely touching it.

[steve]

There should be no hesitation when you realize you have to separate. Don't wait for another tank to become available, a paycheck, someone's permission, etc.

...The tail won't grow back. How big are the RES now, shell length-wise? Here is a guide to determine their genders: http://www.redearslider.com/determining_sex.html , please post pics if you are unsure.

Also, use a different basking area, one that doesn't take up so much space and divide the tank - it's possible you need another tank if it is too small for your RES.

[marisa]

No, the tail won't grow back, but as long as your turtle can poop (and it heals well), he should be OK.

A wound can be smelled by the other turtle, and once a turtle has been bitten and skin has been broken, it's like a magnet to the other turtle, who will continually go after that area and make it worse until they are separated.

[bradmeisel]

the shaking of the feet is called fluttering, I think. It is another sign of aggression. Put up a pic and I will tell you what sexes the turtles are. Steve and Marisa are 100% correct. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Separate now. Have a happy new year!!!

[hrlywldct]

I have two red eared sliders that my cousin gave to me in aug 2009 and they were both the same size then and little. now they are both big but one is larger then the other. still havent figured out the sex. but I just noticed today the littler one was biting the bigger ones tail for me to take a closer look to see the bigger ones tail was bit off. why did it do this and do I need to take the bigger one to the vet? it looks like the tail is scabbing over. so I dont know and will it survive a couple of days for me to get to vet? as where I live I am snowed in right now and without my car it is stuck at mechanics. they are in a big tank not sure how many gallons but this is the measurements of the tank h 16" w 12" l 36" I just took pics how do I post these so you can see them?