General Care Discussion :: Turtle death...

[fourstar]

So my RES named 'Donnie' died sometime today...I'm pretty choked up about it, same with my girlfriend. The formation of the rocks in the tank shifted and one of them trapped him underneath. I came home after work to feed them and was instantly alerted when I saw only one of my RES begging for food. Everybody knows they are the biggest sucks in the world for food. He was 1.2 years old. The worst part is it's my fault for the rock formation, I should of been more careful, but It has been the same stance for 2 months now with proper tank maintenance. Ahhhhh...damn it! I think the next phase is being pissed off...I just signed up to vent I think. I'm such an idiot! Things were going so well, they were the perfect pair of green machines.

Is it wrong for me to get another RES? Do you think my other turtle Leeroy is in shock? Donnie was very stiff when I picked him up. I'm just wondering if the other is aware or will be aware of his missing buddy?

Thanks

[megcornell]

Hello, I'm so sorry to hear about Donnie's death, it's always hard to lose a pet.
I'd encourage you to reconsider adding a new RES to the tank... when they grow larger aggression is common which can lead to separate set ups. If you don't have the means for two set ups don't get a second turtle. RES are really solitary animals, they don't need or even really want, a second turtle to keep them company... they see it as a competitor for food and basking space.

[Cim*Forever]

Aw, im so sorry to hear about Donnie, it was a really bad accident, don't beat yourself up too much.

[SpotsMama]

How sad! It's so hard to think of everything in a tank that can be dangerous. If It's any comfort, other people down the road can read on here about your experience and learn about the risk and will be able to protect their turtles, so it's really a good thing that you signed up to tell us about it.

I agree with Meg about getting another turtle. There are many many instances on here of people who have tried to keep a pair of turtles in a tank and in the end, the turtles wind up fighting and hurting each other and have to be separated. Your turtle will be perfectly content on his own - he/she will get all the attention and all the food. If you think he's getting bored you can put some minnows or guppies in the tank for him to chase.

[emma]

I am soo sorry to hear about Donnie.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I'm so sorry to hear about this accident!

[april zephyr]

Aww.... *huggies* I'm so sorry. My Love just had a near-death experience Christmas eve so i can ALMOST feel your sadness. I'm so sorry.

[marisa]

Sorry you lost him.