Other Turtle Discussion :: Should I get my RES a friend?

[CApears4u2]

A month or so ago I lost one of my baby RES. I'm now left with one, about 2" and am wondering if I should get another one to keep him/her company. I'm aware that they should be close to the same size/age but not sure if the sex would make any difference.

For now I have a good setup - 20 gal tank, filter, light, rock, heater, etc. I do plan to upgrade later.

Oh, and anyone know of reputable herp "dealers" if I decide to get another one? Internet or otherwise. I live in No. Cal.

Any opinions?

Thanks.

[jenaero]

If I were you, I'd concentrate on taking the best care possible of the one you have left. Many of us here have more than one, but there's always a risk of them fighting, or one becoming ill resulting in separation. One of my res was ill recently. Luckily, I didn't have to separate them because I truly was not prepared (no room, no spare tank, nothing)

[CApears4u2]

Okay, I'll keep that in mind. Makes sense.

Actually I could likely end up with another one like the first two... semi rescued. Long story.

Kinda like my other rescued animals who have found a home here, elsewhere, or BACK into the wild from which they came! PeOpLe!!

[CountryGirl68]

I went to the vet today and he mentioned that out of all the turtles he has treated and cared for, he feels the most aggressive towards each other and even humans are the RES. This is a vet that said from his experience, RES can even be more aggressive at times than snapping turtles.

[CApears4u2]

I find that interesting. Even though I have little experience with RES, I know a lot of people have more than one - my brother-in-law has three almost grown RES in an outside pond and they all get along well. My family also went to a small local zoo yesterday and there were a bunch (at least 10 I could see) of RES residing together in an appropriate size outside pond.

But I know there's always exceptions. Maybe he's used to dealing with people who don't know how to house them well and hears all the horror stories. I have also heard and read on this site that they will become aggressive toward each other when enclosed in too small an environment. I guess we all would!!

Ah well, sometimes good or otherwise unexpected things come to those who wait!

[missibsu]

I have also heard and read on this site that they will become aggressive toward each other when enclosed in too small an environment. I guess we all would!!

This reminds me of living in the dorms at school. My roommate and I did not get along too well the first year. Went through a phase of not speaking for like 4 weeks. When it came time to find a roommate for the next year, we picked each other. Figured we had nothing to lose and we knew what to expect. We ended up living together all four years, and the 2 bedroom apartment years were a lot better!

[CountryGirl68]

Well, my turtle behaved during his exam but he happened to mention that about RES because my husband asked if it was necessary to get Tanner a companion. Of course, as with any pet, they can get along for years with no problems and then suddenly, they can get territorial. The vet recommended leaving Tanner alone and that if we decided to get another turtle, it would be best to keep them separate.

Some people here have mentioned that their turtles have spent years together with other turtles and then one day they just snap and become aggressive.

[CApears4u2]

Sounds like hormones! I'm 45 and headed in that direction!!