Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: I love my 'Yoda' !

[RESpect]

Hey all!
I've had my 'Yoda' for about 6 months now and he's growing fast. Although, I can't help feeling bad about the fact that he's all by himself and doesn't have a buddy to pal around with. Would it be a good idea to get a companion for him or is he o.k. by himself? It seems as though they like to be in groups, but i don't really know. Can anybody shed some light on the situation? Thanks and good to be on the site!

[yosmartpants]

great photo- did you take it? what kind of camera did you use?

[RESpect]

it is a wonderful photo, but i have to be honest and tell you that i didn't take the pic.....i actually found it online. I do have some pics of my 'yoda' that i'll throw up soon

[missibsu]

By introducing another turt to your set up, you can invite unwanted aggression. I bought two turts at the same time, and everyday I have to face the fact that they may need to be seperated. I am constantly watching for signs of aggression. As humans, we tend to put human emotions with other animals. In all reality, your turt will be just fine on his own.

Another thought that enters my mind is the cost factor. If you have two turts you are either going to need one extra large tank, or two large ones. Then you are going to have to double everything. Two basking areas, two filters (or more), etc.

[RESpect]

Good point! The last thing I need right now is the expense of another pet! And, ya know, you're absolutely correct about how humans tend to put human emotions with other animals. I guess I was just thinking that if I were he, I wouldn't want to be in that huge tank all by myself
Thanks for the help missibsu

[sonyj]

Welcome to the forum... Be sure to read through the main site when you get a chance. There's a lot of great info there.

Missibsu is absolutely correct. There are so many factors to consider when you have multiple turtles such as the extra cost in caring for them and the need to separate them if they do not get along. Just put your time and money in making Yoda's habitat the best possible and you'll have a very happy and healthy turtle for years to come.

Btw, I love your turtles name. I'm totally surprised that my turtle Koopa isn't named from Star Wars as well seeing as how my son is a Huge Star Wars fanatic. Instead Koopa got his name from the Mario games.

[marisa]

Welcome. I like your user name as well.

[JessicaTS]

Welcome to Turtle Talk

[missibsu]

You're welcome RESpect! Believe me, I wish I had known about this site prior to the purchase of my turts. At the time I agreed to keep them as pets, I had no idea how much care these little guys would require. On the day that my mom picked them up, they were having a special: buy the container get two free turts (as apposed to just one free turt.) If I had known up front all that I was getting into, I would have just gotten one. I wouldn't trade them in for the world, but I know how much work I have cut out for me. Best of luck with your turt! Oh, and I too understand how much I would love to have a tank to myself. I am an only child, and when other people come into the picture, I do not like to share. LOL

[RESpect]

thanks so much for all your reassurance about having just one turt. I know he's happy because he's spoiled .....sonyj....as soon as i saw your turt's name was 'koopa' i instantly heard the mario bros. underworld track in my head...hahhah....fitting name for a turt! I named him 'yoda' because he was small, green, and wrinkly...just like the master yoda. Thanks again everyone, and glad to be here! Actually, i have another question. Would my turt get more used to me and friendly if i handled him more? e.g.- if i were to spend some time each day holding him

[sonyj]

...Actually, i have another question. Would my turt get more used to me and friendly if i handled him more? e.g.- if i were to spend some time each day holding him

I'd love to say yes to your question, but the truth is turtles aren't the hold and cuddle type pet. They will never be as domesticated as say dogs or cats. Some turtles will over time get used to you as you walk into the room, but others will not. The more you handle your turtle and he doesn't like it will cause unnecessary stress for him. I'd advise to keep the handling down to a minimum and only when you need to. You can go up to his tank and let him see you each day when you walk in the room. I've gotten in the habit of doing this with Koopa and even when he slides off his basking dock, he'll eventually swim up to the glass and sit there watching me as long as I'm there talking to him. (of course he's thinking "food" not companionship! )

[marisa]

RESpect, one way you can get your turtle more used to you is to take him out to feed him in a separate container of water when you do feedings. It may take him a little while before he eats outside the tank (and some turtles are never comfortable with it), but once he's used to his new home, you may want to give it a try. Feeding outside the tank will also help keep the tank water cleaner.