General Care Discussion :: 2nd turtle?

[Caelestis]

I heard that turtles fight amongst their own species sometimes, but are good in communities. So what other terrapin is good to put in the tank alongside a RES? I might go out of my way to get another...

[megcornell]

RES tend to be very aggressive and grow to be large, making them difficult to house with other turtles. In addition, they really prefer to live solitary lives, especially since in a tank environment that means more space for them. It's usually advisable to stick with one turtle. If you do buy a second one you'll need to quarantine it for 90 days and be financially prepared to buy a complete second set up if the turtles fight. There isn't a specific breed or sex pairing you can buy to ensure the turtles will get along. Sometimes even if you have more than adequate space turtles go out of their way to fight. So really, if you can give your current turtle a good set up and keep him healthy and happy you should focus on that.

[RunninWideOpen]

Personalities change from turtle to turtle in all species. You can't ever be sure they'll get along. My younger MAP and RES got along great for awhile but eventually the MAP became aggressive with the RES. It's really a gamble to get a second turtle and house them together.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I heard that turtles fight amongst their own species sometimes, but are good in communities. So what other terrapin is good to put in the tank alongside a RES? I might go out of my way to get another...

I wouldn't bother getting another turtle to put in with your RES. They honestly don't need "friends" and do better with some attention from you! Also, RES's get more aggressive as they get bigger/older. Adult RES's can be extremely aggressive towards any other RES that wanders into their "domain."

As loving/sweet/docile as my adult RES Sheba (9" long) is with me, the minute another turtle is near her tankwater area (if I hold another turtle up to the wall of her tank), she freaks out & gets very angry/snappy at the turtle.

So I have resolved that she must always be by herself; she seems the most peaceful this way. I have her in a 90-gallon tank & she just hangs out in the water, "tans" on her dock, and waits for me to come home & feed her.

[Turtle_Turtle]

my turtles hate it when they see another turtle because i had a fake turtle and i put it near there tank and they both tried to bit it through the glass and they wouldnt stop

[kermitzaqd]

As someone who just recently had to divide her turtle tank between two turtles that have peacefully coexisted for the past two years, I would suggest only having one turtle. It'll save a lot of hassle and worry in your future.