General Care Discussion :: The Dangers of Keeping multiple turtles together

[untsmurf]

The problem with most people keeping multiple turtles is that they never get them the big tank they need. Sounds like you're doing a good job though 1981camaroz28. How big are your turts?

[1981camaroz28]

I have in one 120 2 about 4inches each another 120 with one about 10 inches and my new RES is about 8 inches in another 120. I have a couple more but not with turtles. The funny thing about tanks when I had a 55 it was small than the 90 it was small now I have 3 120 gal and they are small. Me and the wife just looked at a 275 X-Tall and I think in the next couple weeks it will be coming home. My turtles live like kings and I am proud to say I spoil them rotten

The problem with most people keeping multiple turtles is that they never get them the big tank they need. Sounds like you're doing a good job though 1981camaroz28. How big are your turts?

[untsmurf]

Where'd you find the 275? And how much is it if you don't mind my asking?

[1981camaroz28]

I live in Philadelphia look up in the phone book Monster Pets on Delaware Ave and Snyder Ave I forget the number off the top of my head. They have or can get in a couple days any tank you want. The 275 extra tall with stand and lights will run you about $700-$800 but if you go in the store with cash they always drop the price on the spot. The only problem with extra tall tanks is cleaning them I am 6'6 and I can't reach the bottom you need a brush with a long handle but they look great. All 3 of my 120 tanks and tall not standard so they are taller which I think for turtles is the best thing since they like swimming high. Like I said check craigs list daily since people list every minute and unlike eBay you can see the tanks fist before you buy and if you meet someone like I did you get a better deal since they can have it out of there house that minute.

[Consultant]

Hi...

I have a family of 5 RES in my tank...

They are about 3 years old... and are around 3-4 inches long in length?

my tank size is 36 x 18 x 16 from Zilla..
http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/turtle-tanks.htm

yes i do know that the website told me to stay away from a half tank.. but I found out a little too late..

so far.. everything okay.. no problems..
they eat.. no fights..
its true that big turtles do hog the food.. but the smaller turtles gets special treatment from me... and eats just as much.. =)
except two turtles have some type of discolored spots..

will show some pictures later.. when i get my laptop fixed.

[theartbook35]

I never recommend keeping multiple turtles together unless you really know what you are doing.

When they are babies gender never matters much, sometimes if babies show it early, but that is quite rare. It's a general rule among all reptiles that two males/two females fight for dominance and opposite genders will get along depending on species characteristics. If you want more than one, they should be housed separately.

Turtles do interact with other turtles better if raised together from a very young age. The results of this do vary depending on personality. My turtles have a very quiet, stress free lifestyle, and plenty of things to do by themselves or together. I recall only one mild spat over food, one mild spat over space, and that has been it. It does work to raise turtles together, but a very enriching and privacy loaded environment is required for this, plus a lot of general common knowledge about caring for reptiles.

You need to know their personalities very, very good too. That means watching them for hours on end. If you have almost no life like me, this works well for ya.

I don't think everyone should jump on the idea though...