General Care Discussion :: Introducing A New RES

[zeek]

Hi there guys,
I have a female RES at the moment, she has gotten quite large, but my mom was looking in the tank (65 Gal) and she said that I should get one more, a companion for her, umm the thing is I'm a bit worried that she might harm the baby.

Has anyone ever done this before, has the older RES harmed the younger RES, if so can you tell me how to go about doing this, and just for note, I am intending on getting another female, because I don't indent on taking care of more than two of the, thanks a lot.

[TheComputerGremlin]

An older RES will most definitely injure a younger one. It is considered an intruder. RES are solitary animals, not interested in having friends. They are quite happy to have a whole tank to themselves.

If you have a "large" female in a 65 gallon tank, you are probably already below the 10 gallons to an inch rule. Consider upgrading the tank, rather than introducing another turtle. 65 gallons is barely enough for one turtle, let alone another.

If you are still adamant about introducing another, the only successful way I've heard people introduce new turtles is when a 300+ gallon pond is involved ...

[BullDog]

I agree completely. The female almost certainly will bite, perhaps even kill a small turtle. And as Jax said, your 65 gallon is probably tight for your one female.

Turtles are generally solitary creatures, and don't really need, or even enjoy the company of another turtle.

You're really best off just keeping the one

[zeek]

well that is a relief to hear, so she rather enjoys her own company. I didn't really want to get another one anyways lol, my mom was just talking about another one. Thanks a lot guys.

[Nettle]

If you need any more support, here's a link to an unfortunate event:
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... highlight=