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Turtles/painted turtle and yellow-bellied slider
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Question
I have a YBS and a small painted turtle in a small pond outside. The YBS is a male and is expressing interest (mating behavior) in the painted turtle. Is it possible that two different types of turtles will actually mate if no other mates are available? I think the painted turtle is too young, but I was just wondering about this.
Even though these two species look alike, they are not closely related. The YBS may be asserting dominance, or even trying to mate, but the Painted will not provide the proper identification signals.
Sometimes, an aggressive turtle may try to mount anyway, but nothing will come of it.
Just FYI- this is sometimes a sign that the tank is too small.
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Answers by Expert:
Mark Adkins
Expertise
My specialty is tortoises, especially Red-foot Tortoises. I will try to help with any tortoise-related question I can. I will also help with general questions about things like behavior of wild turtles, etc. You can also try my website at http://www.tortoiselibrary.com
PLEASE- No water or box turtle questions. If you have a question about Box Turtles, Red-ear Sliders, Painted Turtles, or other turtles, please try a different expert or http://www.turtleforum.com. It is free and very helpful.
I am not a vet or a breeder, herpetologist, etc. I'm just a guy who likes tortoises. I reserve the right to send you to a website or forum if they have a better answer than I can offer rather than doing long cut-and-pastes, etc. I also will not second guess a vet or recommend home surgery or self-prescribing prescription meds.
Experience
Have kept tortoises on and off since 1965.
Currently keep a herd of 4 'Cherry-head' Red-foot Tortoises.
Have written extensively on this subject.
Education/Credentials
Associates Degree in Applied Science,
Graduate- Tortoise Trust Course in Advanced Chelonian Husbandry
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