Turtle Turmoil. Help!

[floridafam]

We have 2 Box Turtles that live in our yard.

One in back, one in front.

They are outside fighting. The one that lives in the backyard (Joe Dirt) is trying to get into Muncher's hole (the one who lives in the front yard.)

Do I do anything? They are hissing at eachother and turning eachother over.

 

[wuv tigger]

I would have to call me dear sis who is a vet tech ~ she's not available by phone today thought ~ sorry.

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, if they were in the wild and fighting, they'd just fight it out. I guess keep an eye on them and if it seems to be getting really ugly, separate them.

 

[KathyTX]

Do you know the genders? Could this be mating behavior? I understand that can be pretty aggressive in turtles...

 

[floridafam]

I believe they are both males.

 

[Wolfen-Sensei]

-had no idea turtles could hiss-

Well, if it looks like they're getting too out of hand, take Disney Doll's advice and seperate them. I doubt it'd get that bad, though.

 

[floridafam]

It might not be an exact hiss but they do something like a hiss when you get near them and touch them. We had a big one get trapped in our garage. When DH went to pick it up to move it, it hissed at him.

They are just so cool.

 

[DisMN]

I wouldn't do a thing, just let them be their normal turtley selves. It really sounds neat....you're lucky to have them so close that you can watch 'em!!

I'd love to hear the outcome or their "battle", if this is just some normal type of behavior for them or what.

They do sound cool!

 

[floridafam]

Well, Muncher is back in his hole. Joe Dirt is walking around the side of the house and back to his hole.

This isn't the first time they have done this.

We had a huge turtle in our Florida room the other day. One side was knocked down during the hurricane so that's how he got in. He was so fun to watch. He kept trying to crawl into the wall so Dh had to go out and move him.

 

[Talking Hands]

If these are Florida box turtles I would leave them alone as they are an endagered species. We have one that lives in our back yard too. They are neat to watch but legally we can't touch them.

 

[floridafam]

Yes, they are Florida Box Turtles.

The only time we touch them is if they get trapped in the garage.

The other problem is Muncher and Joe Dirt look so much alike that I don't know which is which now.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

My GF, who is quite experienced in these types of animals answered that they are mating...

I'd look for where the eggs will be later.

One of them may be the girlie! You may be a grandparent soon!

 

[floridafam]

Awww. I'm gonna be a Grandma?

I'll have to make sure. I thought they were both males.

 

[Shugardrawers]

Well, if they aren't getting freaky deaky then I'm a big believer in letting animals come to their own understandings unless there is bloodshed involved. They'll figure it out on their own. And if you are a grandma soon, congrats! BTW how do you tell a boy turtle from a girl turtle???

 

[floridafam]

BTW how do you tell a boy turtle from a girl turtle???

I'm not sure. They just looked so male.

Maybe I'll try and get a closer look.


If they are mating, would the one that came around from the backyard be the male? The female wouldn't go looking for the male, would she?

 

[Shugardrawers]

I'm not sure. They just looked so male.

Maybe I'll try and get a closer look.


If they are mating, would the one that came around from the backyard be the male? The female wouldn't go looking for the male, would she?

Well, it IS 2006!

 

[floridafam]