General Care Discussion :: Turtles Get Benefits from a companion?

[Roazbear]

Greetings

I have an 8" slider in an 80 Gallon Tank. I've been offered a smaller turtle as a companion.
Do turtles get some benefit having a companion?
She is a female. What sex would be best?. I'm not interested in breeding.
Is a 5 to 6" turtle an Ok size to put with one that is 8".

Thank you
Roazbeat

[steve]

If you get a male RES, you cannot keep them together as there will be fighting and aggression. There is no way around this.

If you get a female RES, there is still a chance there will be fighting and aggression, there is no way to predict this. It can occur at a later time, so you will need to have a plan in place if you do get another.

[Roazbear]

Thank you. Is there any benefit in going through this trouble for the turtle to have a companion? Does she get anything out of having a companion? I have no overwhelming desire for a second turtle unless it would make life better for the one I already have

[steve]

No, she would have no benefit. I think it might be different in a large, outdoor pond but indoors... it's not worth it unless you have a large tank that you can divide for them.