Other Turtle Discussion :: A little Turtle!

[Brianthedog18]

When I originally decided to get an RES, I wanted a little one, because they were so cool and cute. But, I found out the only way I could get one was by ordering it of the internet, and I didn't like the idea, so after failed attempts to find a local breeder, I bought a 4 inch RES.
Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE my RES, but I also want to hopefully get a smaller one some day. The only problem is, I hear people talking about after living alone for a while, it's a bad idea to introduce a new turtle into the tank. Does this mean that if I one day decide to get a smaller RES that I will have to make a seperate habitat for it? Or is there some way I can introduce two turltes like that together without causing harm or discomfort?[/quote]

[marisa]

If someday you were to get a smaller RES, if there were a big difference in size from your present turtle, you would not want to put them together until the smaller one was closer to the larger one's size. It's recommended that a new turtle be quarantined for at least 90 days to minimize the chances of your turtle catching something the new turtle could have (maybe these two points are where the separate set-up you're thinking of is coming from).

If you did put them together, the size of the tank should be big enough for the two of them, which may entail an upgrade (tank and possibly equipment depending on what you have).

And, after everything, there's no guarantee that they'll get along--some do and some don't.

[steve]

This is why if you do get another turtle, you must be prepared to separate them permanently if necessary. Having an extra setup and supplies will be necessary for this reason, it can also serve as a quarantine tank if either becomes ill.