Other Turtle Discussion :: Questionable companionship

[dbfive]

Ok, I'm new here.
I have a question and hopefully someone here can answer it for me.
Iv'e always loved turtles and have had them all my life. I have had red eared sliders and cooters. At this point in time I have a cooter in an outdoor pond. He is a male and is very social. Lately he has been lonley and is looking for a companion. Will a red eared slider make a good companion for him???? Do they get along or will there be conflicts????
I would like to know before purchasing another turtle.
Thank you!!

[missibsu]

First I would ask how you know that your turtle is lonely and needs companion? We as humans tend to put human feelings and emotions towards pets, and it isn't necessarily accurate. While your turtle maybe social with you, it doesn't mean that he will be social with other turtles.

I can't answer whether or not they are compatable, but I can tell you that there is a recommended quarantine period of 90 days. That is to ensure that the new turtle you buy isn't sick, or carrying any diseases that your turtle could get. During that time, he would need his own set up.

[dbfive]

My cooter used to have a mate, but she died a few months ago, (were not sure how we think due to a water bird or racoon) He was always social with her, they were best friends. But since she died he has been lonley, swimming along in the pond looking for her. I was hoping to find him another companion.
Thank you for replying.

[missibsu]

This is from www.austinsturtlepage.com

COMMUNITY HABITAT

RES make decent community inhabitants with other similar-sized species from the same region, provided that adequate space is given. Do not mix with snappers & be careful mixing with softshells (mainly that the softies don't get scratched up or their noses bitten). Males may sexually harass females & thus be incompatible. Sliders are strong, vigorous & may out-compete tank mates so take care to insure everyone eats well & nobody hogs the choice basking areas all the time. Sliders have fairly powerful jaws and can injure smaller turtles (i.e.: biting hunks out of the shells of hatchlings, permanently disfiguring or killing them), so only turtles of comparable size are recommended (exception: adult musk turtles such as stinkpots & razorbacks can be kept with sliders).

Hope that helps.

[dbfive]

Thank you very much, that was helpful!!