Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Naturally, tortoises will fight over perceived territory infringements or dominance, but their ultimate goal is usually to intimidate the other into leaving.
In most cases, the smaller tortoise is usually harmed in one way or another….possibly seriously since it is unable to escape its aggressor. I’m talking ripped legs and limbs.
Separation is the only way to prevent them from attacking each other.
Before an attack happens, there will be evident signs of increasing aggression. However, it might not be so clear at times. If it were me, I wouldn’t take a chance even though I have seen people manage to keep two turtles in a tank together without a problem.
It’s just risky to me.
The biggest danger I have observed seems to be:
- Putting a new turtle into a tank that is already the territory of another turtle
- Or putting a small turtle in with a larger one.
Turtles are usually more aggressive when they are crowded together in a tank that’s too small. Two males together or a male and a female seem to be more likely to fight than two females, but then two females will get a lot bigger so require a huge amount of space.
One solution to keeping turtles apart when there’s only one tank is to put a divider in the tank.
ALSO SEE: Red Eared Slider Turtle Eggs Laid in Water
Can Turtles Live with Other Turtles?
Turtles are fine together until they are not. Aggression will happen, even to tankmates who have been peaceful for years.
Adulthood usually brings it on, and yes, turtles can and will kill each other as well as tortoises. So separation is the only thing you can do.
Can A Baby Turtle Live with A Big Turtle?
No. In most cases, the smaller tortoise is usually harmed in one way or another….possibly seriously since it is unable to escape its aggressor. I’m talking ripped legs and limbs.
Do Turtles Eat Each Other?
While it is not very common, turtles do eat each other. Cannibalism in turtles is usually a result of extreme circumstances.
Why do Turtles Eat and Bite Each Other?
Here are some reasons your turtle will attack, bite, and each another turtle:
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Territorial Disputes
Keeping more than one turtle in the same tank without dividers/separators could lead to territorial issues.
If one feels like the other turtle is intruding on his or her personal space, they may attack them.
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Environmental Conditions
A turtle with stress as a result of living in an unhealthy environment can channel its aggression and frustration towards the other turtles in the tank.
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Hunger
Intense hunger could be another reason why a turtle will feed on another turtle. When it comes to survival, it is usually the strongest that wins and turtles have no issues with eating a member of their species as far as it is food.
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Mating
It is quite common for a male turtle to bite a female before or during the mating process. This bite is normally not aggressive in nature and should not result in any bloodshed.
Which Turtles Are Most at Risk for Fighting and Eating Each Other?
Keeping two male turtles in the same tank poses a risk of increased chances of fighting for dominance.
Male turtles are naturally more aggressive towards each other.
Another cause of fighting is if the turtles are of different species.
Lastly, if there is a big size difference between your turtles, the bigger one might try to bite and eat the smaller one.
How to Prevent Your Turtles from Fighting and Eating Each Other?
There are lots of ways by which you can prevent turtles fighting and eating each other. I would recommend doing the following:
Using a turtle divider to help provide each turtle their own personal space.
Keep the turtle pen clean and regularly clean your turtle, its tank, and its items.
Make sure the temperature of your water is comfortable for your turtles
Make sure you are feeding your turtles enough food. It may be best to feed each turtle separately to prevent competition over food.
Get the biggest possible glass or plastic tub turtle tank possible.
Do Turtles Eat Other Turtles Eggs?
Turtles will eat dead eggs as food when the opportunity presents itself.
Do Snapping Turtles Eat Other Turtles?
Snapping Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Alligator Snapping Turtles Eat Other Turtles?
Alligator Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Softshell Turtles Eat Other Turtles?
Softshell Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Sea Turtles Eat Other Sea Turtles?
Sea Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Box Turtles Eat Other Turtles?
Box Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Painted Turtles Eat Other Painted Turtles?
Painted Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Musk Turtles Eat Other Turtles?
Musk Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.
Do Snapping Turtles Eat Other Turtles Eggs?
Snapping Turtles can and are known to opportunistically eat a smaller tank mate, it isn’t very common but it does happen.