Terrapin Question

[tomroc]

I recently acquired 4 RES terrapins from my brother as he is moving, they vary from about a few months old to about 2 years, not sure on exact ages, and i have noticed some strange behaviour, well im not sure if its unusual as these are my first terrapins. I have done all the research and like to think im preety clued up however, the largest terrapin, which i think is a male, seems to be getting above another terrapin and 'tickling' its cheeks is the best way i can describe. I am led to beleive this is a 'mating ritual' but am not too sure. I would really appreciate if someone could tell me if im right etc, i have a video of it if needed.
Alse the one who was getting 'tickled' now seems to be rather inactive and just basking unlike before when it was swimming and eating well. I am feeding them a good varied diet like all the forums say so i am not sure why its appetite seems to have gone, I am maybe thinking its pregnant but that is a complete stab in the dark and like i said bbefore i am not too experianced as of yet. Also it is now sticking its hind legs up in the air whilst basking and is the only terrapin doing so. If anyone has any idea please reply asap as i am a little bit concerned.

Tom

 

[Buslady]

I recently acquired 4 RES terrapins from my brother as he is moving, they vary from about a few months old to about 2 years, not sure on exact ages, and i have noticed some strange behaviour, well im not sure if its unusual as these are my first terrapins. I have done all the research and like to think im preety clued up however, the largest terrapin, which i think is a male, seems to be getting above another terrapin and 'tickling' its cheeks is the best way i can describe. I am led to beleive this is a 'mating ritual' but am not too sure. I would really appreciate if someone could tell me if im right etc, i have a video of it if needed.
Alse the one who was getting 'tickled' now seems to be rather inactive and just basking unlike before when it was swimming and eating well. I am feeding them a good varied diet like all the forums say so i am not sure why its appetite seems to have gone, I am maybe thinking its pregnant but that is a complete stab in the dark and like i said bbefore i am not too experianced as of yet. Also it is now sticking its hind legs up in the air whilst basking and is the only terrapin doing so. If anyone has any idea please reply asap as i am a little bit concerned.

Tom

The fluttering of the nails are both territorial and breeding displays. If you have a male, his claws would be quite long, like Freddy Krueger's blades. A female's short. A few month old turtle shouldn't be in with a 2 years old cos of size differences.
A 2 year old will not be mature so none can be pregnant. An adult female would be at least 8-9 inches SCL before she can lay, 12-13" at the max.

the way you explain it I believe the basking one is being bullied by the one who's displaying and refuses to go into the water with that one fearing being bullied and/or attacked. Turtles aren't dumb animals, they know where danger is. Watch that one, the stress can cause him/her to become sick and vet care.
Hands and feet being stuck out like that is called the "Superman Position". Perfectly normal.

 

[Eclecticoldsod]

Too young and too small yet, IMO, Tom [if you have the ages right.] Boys unsuccessfully practice mating rituals long before girls do. (Don't ask about us much luckier gay boys..!)
As Buslady says, the terrapin guy will have very long nails before he is serious about mating.
Sticking your legs up in the air whilst basking means nothing - it is something we all do...