General Care Discussion :: new baby turtle

[ProckNet]

Hello all!

Yestereday a friend felt bad about my critical conidtion irish setter who is still on a touch and go status.

This friend purchased a hatchling RES as gift for me. Some of you may, or may not know I am a new RES owner. My current RES, Lizzy is in a 55 gallon tank.

I read in one of the books that a hatchling should be kept seperate from older RES.

Will a 55 gallon tank be enough space for two turtles in the long run? As of right now the two turts are in seperate tanks. I know I can give this turtle a proper home but I am unsure if it is wise to put this baby and my Lizzy is the same tank.

I was only planning on keeping the baby until the friend gets the proper equipment to take the turtle themselves. I directed this friend to this site and told them to join NOW!

thank you in advance.

[worldpeace]

It's not advised to keep a baby turtle with an adult one. RES are aggressive by nature and also solitary creatures. There's a big chance that your older RES will not like the idea of the hatchling invading her territory. If this is the case she'll act in an aggressive manner and the little turtle won't stand a chance.

To answer your other question, a 55 gallon tank is considered a little too small for 2 full grown turtles.

[ProckNet]

Yes, I have read that turtles are aggressive.

thank you for answering. I didnt think my 55 gallon would be enough space.