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Question: My red ear slider will face the side of its aquarium and shake its hands above its head. is this normal?

(Posted by: Tiffany on 2010-02-08 01:08:29)

I'm not sure what sex the turtle is and its the only one in its tank. I've read that RES's will shake their hands in front of other turtles for territory/ mating... is it possible that my turtle is looking at its' reflection and doing this?

Posted by: Gamera on 2010-02-08, 01:44:28

Red Ear Sliders are territorial. So when you see him doing this, he probably sees his reflection and is doing the "turtle dance ", usually done when they are staking out their territory or trying to impress a mate. Perfectly natural.

Posted by: Raspberryblonde on 2010-02-08, 01:21:35

Mine does that too usually if you hold up something shiny or put your finger up to it. Yes it is possible its sees its reflection and thinks its another turtle to mate with = ]