Mating with yellow sliders
 

I have two yellow sliders. One female and a male. They are both relatively the same age (1 1/2 years old). The male just started to flutter his claws at the female. 30 minutes later the female started doing it back. Does this mean she’s accepted him? Is it possible for them to mate at one and a half years old? Thanks.

I assume you mean Trachemys scripta scripta .

Again, I am assuming, that is based off of the following criteria: tail length, thickness at the base of the tail, and behavior?

I was under the impression that it depends more on the relative size of the specimen(s) then the age. I.E.: the female should be at LEAST four (4) to five (5) inches before breeding. However, I could be completely wrong.

I know that behavior is far more common in males then females. However, I have seen females do it. So, I guess, that means that the female has accepted him. I have never thought of it or "looked at it" in that fashion.

I have seen way younger/smaller specimens try and breed. I assume you mean reproduce. Which is a completely different matter. Breeding with aquatic turtles is not only based on age but physical size. Sorry I could not be more helpful.

Yes yellow bellied sliders. The female (larger, short claws, short tail) is about 6-7 inches. The male (smaller, long claws, long tail) is roughly 4 inches. I assumed they wouldn’t be able to reproduce at this age/size, but I know what that makes me. Thanks again.