Softshell again..Nip nip!?

Question

I have had a soft shell turtle for a year now but it was a baby then and now its getting braver and coming out. Well Yesterday I brought in another baby smaller than the first when I got it. This morning I noticed my older one sniffing the shell and face then it would nip (not bite) I'm wondering why he is doing this, can you tell me?

Thanks.

(Please don't answer this question if your going to say I need a huge tank or tell me something beside what I asked.) Thanks again!

Answer 1

Softshells are aggressive, and should each be kept separately. The older one may be establishing its dominance.

Some turtles are aggressive whether they're eating or not.

I don't get why you have them in a sand box, though- softshells are highly aquatic.

Answer 2

Softshells are highly carnivorous. I wouldn't keep it with anything other than itself and feeder fish. This could end in disaster for the smaller turtle.

Turtles aren't social animals, the only time they seek each other's company is during breeding season... get them too crowded and there WILL be territorial issues. (this is one of them) And sorry to say it, the only way to possibly counteract it is...

if you have a huge tank with plenty of hiding spots for the smaller turtle that the bigger one can't get into, but even this is not a promised fix.

Answer 3

They should be fine, dont worry. He is probably like "Wats that??". Just keep an eye on them, make sure they both have food also (meaning the larger one eats all the food). Good Luck!