Other Turtle Discussion :: ADDING ANOTHER TURTLE

[speak376]

HI I HAVE A QUESTION, I HAVE 1 REDEAR SLIDER TURTLE IT IS ABOUT
3" LONG. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD ANOTHER ONE TO MY TANK BUT I AM NOT SURE HOW BIG I SHOULD GET IT CAN SOMEONE HELP ME. MOST OF THE ONES IN THE PET STORES ARE LIKE THREE TIMES THE SIZE OF THE ONE THAT I HAVE.

THANK YOU,
SPEAK376@YAHOO.COM

[Starchick]

How big is your tank? Your 3 inch slider will probably at least double in size, and depending on the size of your tank you may not have space for two. Not to mention that some turtles just don't get along and might need to be separated in the end anyway. What's your reasoning in getting a second turtle? RES usually don't mind living solitary and might not appreciate the company.

[scripta_elegans]

If you think your turtle needs company, I would suggest a few snails and Rosies. That way, if he doesn't like them, he will just eat them, and you won't need to buy a whole new set up for the rejected turtle.

[pumpkinsherbet]

it's stressed a lot that should you add another turtle to the tank, a one month quarantine period is absolutely necessary. if they are too different in size (as it would seem from your description) then you should keep them separated, period, as the big one can, and most likely will, hurt the little one. you can try getting a second setup and maybe putting them near each other so they can have the company but not hurt each other.

[missibsu]

I would have to agree with most of what has been said. The size of your current turtle, the size of your set up, quarantine, second set ups, financial obligations are all major factors.

When adding a second turtle, it needs to be close in size to the turtle that you already have. A good set up for your turtle would be at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell. Providing less can lead to stress and aggression between your turtles. If that happens, then it would be your responsibility to provide a second habitat. A quaratine of at least 90 days or 3 months, possibly longer is needed to make sure that your otherwise healthy turtle isn't infected by a possibly sightless illness that the new turtle could have.

All of these things bring with them major financial obligations that you would need to meet.