Turtles/behavior

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Expert: Jeannie - 11/4/2009


Question
infant red eared slider living in natural bayou in La. swims toward adult  and wiggles its toes in the face/mouth of adult turtle.  does this repeatedly. what does it mean?  it's much to sall to be courting ?

Answer
Hi Sandy,

I'm sorry to say I have no idea what it means or why it would do that.  A hatchling is of course much too small for mating behavior, and since there is no maternal-offspring bond, it can't be some kind of enticement behavior either.  I did a little research and there's some indication that fluttering can also be related to dominance/territoriality, so that's the most likely explanation (although possibly unusual in a very small hatchling).

Just to add a note after receiving my rating points, in particular a 4 in Knowledgeability:  if you read my profile, you will see that it clearly states that I am NOT experienced in aquatics.  My expertise is in tortoises.  If you ask an aquatics question that can be easily researched, then I can usually give an adequately helpful answer.  In this case, there is very limited information for the behavior other than territoriality/dominance, so that's why there wasn't much of an answer.  Behavior questions of this sort would be better asked of an aquatics expert.

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Jeannie

Expertise

Questions regarding husbandry of Russian tortoises and other Mediterranean species, sulcata, and redfoot tortoises; general tortoise care; box turtle care. If I can't answer a specific question, I can provide sources for further research. Please note: I am not well experienced with aquatic species. I've worked with them in rescue, but I don't keep or breed them. If you ask a question about red-eared sliders or other aquatic species, I may not be able to provide you with the specific information that you need, although I can give researched answers and direct you to websites that may help further. I also have contacts in rescue that I can use if necessary. Disclaimer: My advice is not a substitute for vet care. If I think your tortoise/turtle has a specific medical condition or injury that warrants a vet visit, I'll tell you so, and if possible I'll help you locate a vet. If I do advise consulting a vet, please do it for the health and safety of your pet.

Experience

I have kept and bred Russian tortoises for over ten years and have other Mediterranean species plus redfoots. Have kept box turtles in the past. I've worked with other tortoise species at a local rescue, mostly sulcata but some leopards, California desert tortoises, yellowfoots, and box turtles. I have also worked with aquatics in rescue, but don't keep them in my collection.

Education/Credentials
My knowledge is based on hands-on experience keeping, breeding, and working with tortoises and turtles.

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