General Care Discussion :: Age compatiblity

[turtle mom09]

Hi everyone, i have a question regarding compatibility. My husband just came home from work and brought my son another turtle surprise. He rescued a 5in red eared slider turtle from being run over by several cars. If you remember I posted up on the board 3 weeks ago about the baby turtle we found in our yard we saved. Our little one is now 2in and I believe its a boy. The new one is for sure a boy based on the info you all provide on the site -claws and tail size. The new one most likely came from the Mighty Mississippi River since that is close to the general area it was rescued from. Will the two tutrles be ok to co-habitat?? I have the new larger one in the kitchen sink in water currently. Squirt our baby is in his 30 gal tank. Looking for info, if we need to take the new back to the river because they wont get along then hubby can do so tomorrow but it might reach the same fate my husband saved it from today!!!

Thanks again.

[TheComputerGremlin]

I doubt that they will get along for several reasons. First, they have not been raised together since they were young. Second, one is significantly larger than the other. Third, a 30 gallon is too small for two turtles of that size.

I would recommend that you return the 5 inch turtle to where you found him so he can go about living. And your husband should just rescue turtles (by moving them to the other side of the road instead. Native turtles should NEVER be brought home, esp. if you have an existing healthy turtle. They can pass serious illnesses to your other turtle.

However, most people won't listen to what I'm saying. So here's the other rules:

1) New turtle must be quarantined for 90 days before introducing him to your existing turtle.
2) Bigger tank. 5" + 2" = 70 gallons, minimum. Buy a bigger tank for the two of them.
3) Introduce both of them at the same time to the new habitat, that way neither can claim it as their territory.
4) Watch out for aggression, esp. the bigger one hurting the smaller one.

Hope this helps!

[marisa]

I would take the new RES back to the area near the mighty Mississippi where he was found and let him go in a safe place.

[theartbook35]

I would take the new RES back to the area near the mighty Mississippi where he was found and let him go in a safe place.

Yeah, I agree.

I'm actually a little tired of people taking turtles from the wild. That seems to be ridiculously common nowadays, rude to the turtle, and there are so many captive turtles that need homes. Why not just buy another captive turtle? Is this going on because the wild turtle is "free"?

[megcornell]

I used to live by a lake and several times a day painted turtles would be trying to cross the busy road that ran around the lake.
It was very nice of your husband to stop and rescue the turtle but I think he'd (the turtle) be happier in his natural home.
A second turtle set up is rather pricey and you'd undoubtedly be looking at buying one so I think the idea of re-releasing him is a win-win for you and the turtle.