General Care Discussion :: Introduced a New turtle

[sgriselda8]

Hi, my name is Griselda and I have had a red eared slider for about 3-4 months. This red eared slider is named Joey and is about 3 inches in length. Yesterday I was gifted another red eared slider who is about 1.5 inches in length. The smaller turtle is currently in the tank with Joey. The new turtle is on the basking dock while Joey is swimming. He has previously attempted to bite the new turtle. Should I be worried that Joey will eat or kill the smaller turtle while in the tank? I really don't want the other turtle being injured but I don't have another tank to place the smaller turtle in.

[steve]

Hi Griselda, welcome to the site! At 1.5", he's really just a hatchling and I would keep him separate. I'm also concerned that Joey is a bit aggressive at that size/age. Males/females do become aggressive, but not that early.

[sgriselda8]

Hi Steve! I separated the turtles. What could be causes for Joey's aggression?

[steve]

Males are usually a bit aggressive, especially as they mature. But it could just be his personality that's bringing out aggression this early.

[devilduck]

Welcome to the site! Good luck with the new turtles.