General Care Discussion :: Advice please

[Jeff]

So a buddy of mine, who is very into aquatic set-ups, messaged me today and asked if I was interested in getting another turtle. Now before everyone gives me the "you have to be ready to house 2 turtles" speech, just know that I fully understand that if they do not get along I will be responsible for having 2 separate environments for them. With that said....

He knows a guy that breeds diamondback terrapins, and he has some hatchlings that i could buy if I wanted one. From the information I've gathered it seems as though they are not territorial at all, and they are very good with other turtles. It seems as thought wild caught ones have to be kept in brackish water, but the captive bread ones can be kept in freshwater.

I was just wondering if anyone had any information, or if they have ever housed an RES and a diamondback terrapin together? What are some of the challenges that I could face? Is it even plausible, or do the two different species compete too much?

Lastly, sorry this is long, but they would be about the same size. My RES is under 2 inches, and the terrapin would be about the same size.....anyways, ANY advice would be great!! Thanks!!

[adam85491]

I believe it is illegal to sell turtles under 4"....

Sometimes tank mates work, sometimes not. There's really know way to tell without trying it...there is a user on here that does have an RES and d-back housed together, so it certainly is possible.

[untsmurf]

That user actually just posted a thread in the pic section of his/her turts.

As far as temperament goes, RES are usually regarding as the worst. It says on ATP that DBT's are good community turtles (unless you require the brackish water, of course). They have caresheets for like six different kinds of DBT's, here's a link to the section for caresheets. There is a pull down menu for DBT's

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheets.htm

[mike hill]

Jeff - No speech here! Sounds like you know the possible consequences of putting two turtles together.

[theartbook35]

Two separate species tend to get along better, than sliders with other sliders.

I do think there might be laws about owning diamondbacks, so check to see if there are any where you live.

[bigG]

You can have two RES together but it just depends on the turtles. Just like people some get along and others don't. My male and female luckily happen to get along.

[wiccabrat]

My question is does he have more he'd like to sell? I'm in Il too and I want one!!! lol BTW they're not on any of our restricted lists because they aren't native and if he sells it to you for "educational purposes" under 4" is legal.
I agree it's all about individual temperament. I have 5 RES females all living together peacefully and have never had a problem, I also have 5 painteds all living together and they get along fine, and a painted and a slider (2" & 2 1/2") who live together fine. I however have one male RES who lives alone because he's a butt head. lol So you can never tell who will get along, just be ready if they don't.