General Care Discussion :: Adding a second turtle???

[DJ Spenin Spence]

HEy guys i know all the risk of getting another turtle, but when i upgrade my tank if i got another turtle that was the same size and put them both in the new tank would the old one be territorial still b/c it was a new tank or not?

[Raphulk]

The general rule suggests one turtle per habitat. However, in my opinion, hostile aggression over territory depends on more than just having two turtles in close quarters. Of course, having a larger habitat will provide more room for multiple pets, which may cause less aggression. Also, the question you should be asking might be whether the two turtles are same gender or not. I don't know what the specific living arrangements may cause for male-male, female-female, or female-male, but I'm sure you could search it or somebody will tell you after this. In my own experience, I've had tank with 4 RES in a 20g tank, and I now have 2 RES in a 55g tank. In my opinion, 4 of any pet might be too much, except maybe fish and insects. Especially in a small space, 4 was WAY too much. However, the 2 RES I have now live perfectly well. I DO NOT feed them at the same time in the same space, that is the time when the bigger RES does not care for the other RES and it just goes for the food. Also..for some reason, I think having two RES in one tank stunted their growth. I feed them good lettuce and good mix of pellets, and separately too, but they just don't grow as rapidly.

So, basically

1. More turtles = more of everything
-space, filtration, food, ultimately money
2. Feeding time = Aggression
3. Gender matters

[emma]

I would think the new turtle would be aggressive at first, or the other way around. I have three turtles in the same tank but they have been together their entire life. When I got them they were in a tank with 30 other turtles. They are doing great today and love having one another company it seems to me.

[TurtleKeeper48]

I have two female's that live fine together, but they've lived together their whole life. They we're 6 or 7 years old when we rescued them a year and a half ago.

I would suggest that the most responsible way to explore the idea might be to locate a similarly sized same sex turtle that somebody needs to re-home, and offer to house the turtle temporarily to see how it gets along with your turtle, and vice versa. Then, if all goes well, you could take in the new turtle as a permanent roommate for your turtle.

FWIW – I completely understand the desire to house multiple turtles in the same enclosure. While turtles do not require companions, a nicely set up turtle tank with 2 or more turtles makes for a striking display.

[Spike 7.62]

I know it's tempting to add another turtle to your reptile family, but if things don't work out then it will be a total disaster. There is a saying; "live simply, so that others may simply live." Let your turtle enjoy having a habitat of his or her own.

-Spike

[untsmurf]

I agree that it would be easier to just keep one turtle.

That being said, if you feel that you must get another turtle, there are things to consider. You would want to get the new turtle ahead of time because they require a 90 day quarantine period. I think introducing both of the turtles to the new big tank at the same time would be your best chance at reducing aggressive behavior. Make sure the turtles are similarly sized. If possible, I believe that two females will be the least aggressive. Feed them separately. Make sure the tank is large enough for both turtles. Place lots of decorations (plants mainly) in the tank so that the turtles feel they can have privacy from each other (not always in the others line of site). And, most importantly, be aware AHEAD OF TIME that no matter what you do, aggressive behavior is always a possibility so be prepared to provide a completely different setup for the second turtle at any time. Don't buy the second turtle, hope for the best, and when the best doesn't come say that you can't afford two setups.

[Melvira_Fox]

I think everyone pretty much covered it.

If you do it you might want to consider taking them to the vet just to get general check-ups before they live together.

Also a feeding tank would probably be essential so you could feed them separately.

We're going to try to introduce our two turtles eventually. For now both of their setups are next to each others so they can see each other. We decided that if we put their basking areas opposite and made it so they could see each other underwater then they would feel more comfortable getting to know another turtle. I find that turtles are always more skiddish and potentially aggressive out of water. They feel safe in water. That's my experience though...

If you do short introductions (in the same enclosure) ALWAYS keep a constant eye on them during this time.