Other Turtle Discussion :: Can RES live together after one had been in tank for while?

[Steinmy]

We have a RES. Have had her/him (don't know how to tell) for about a year. (About 5" shell) My daughter just won a very small one at a carnival. Can the new, smaller one be put in the tank with the larger one? Right now, they are seperated. Thanks for any info!

[Pugness]

I would say no as would probably alot of people on this forum. I did that once and the older one was more aggressive with the younger ones, biting them and whatnot. I would try to put him in his own tank.

[sonyj]

Do not put turtles together that are different in sizes. The larger one can/will hurt the little one whether on purpose or by accident. There have been posts on here about a younger turtle dying due to injuries from a larger turtle when they've been put together. Wait until the shell lengths are closer together, and also it's a good idea to keep the newer one under quarantine for 90 days anyway even if they were the same size.