They are only about 6 months apart in age, but the younger one is still tiny. I have read that the bigger one might eat the baby, but has anyone ever had that happen? I really don't want two tanks. Thanks!
2007-04-28 06:21:14 · 6 answers · asked by laurieann143 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Turtles not being territorial? Is that guy on crack? I'm sorry but turtles are some of the most dominant and territoral creatures out there! The age difference isn't the concern here, it's size. If the smaller one is only about 1 inch smaller then you should be fine. Any smaller and it might be harrassed. As is the case with any two turtles living together that aren't siblings, there's a chance for dominance where the older turtle will pick on the smller one, not let the smaller one eat, and fight with it. The bigger one may even kill the smaller one. This is only a chance though about 50/50 and really just depends on your turtle. Turtles also aren't social creatures by nature. The only time they come together in the wild is to mate and if their food is in the same spot so if you want to get your turtle a buddy, this isn't a good reason to get two. Also keep in mind that it won't just be twice the food but twice the tank size too. I've had my RES since they were born and always kept them together until the female needed a 180 gallon tank and the male needed a 140 gallon tank. Now, they're separated in their own tank (I really didn't want to buy a 320 gallon tank for both) so really think about this in terms of the long run too. These turtles get huge. Males reach 8-9 inches in diameter and females reach 12 inches in diameter and the rule of thumb for tanks is 10 gallons per square inch of shell so at the minimum a male will need 100 gallon tank and the female 120. These get spendy too. My 180 gal was $700 plus a $300 stand just to house them. Keep these things in mind.
2007-04-28 06:55:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no problem putting them together... as long as they have space. Turtles are not massively territorial or social, but they are SOMEWHAT both.
The problem is that in a small tank, neither can avoid the other. If they both have space, you should be OK. The rule of thumb so about 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length. If your turtles about 2" and 3", you should have about 50 gallons of water to avoid territory issues.
Big tanks offer other benefits as well and are well worth the cost. You can save money by using a sturdy plastic tub instead of a heavy glass aquarium.
2007-04-29 00:38:04 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOO do not put the younger one with the older it can injure the younger one or even kill it.stay in the safe side and put the younger turtle in a 10 gallon tank for now....in about a year you can put them together when they are about thesame size...by the way turtles are VERY territorial as the person above me said..its actually better if u only have one turtle for they dont even like company that much.
2007-04-28 14:39:44 · answer #3 · answered by Brian S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Am sure @ only 6 months difference in age...things will be fine..what might be bad is if one turtle is alot bigger then the other..TC & Peace :)
2007-04-28 13:28:25 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should split the tank in half, but give the bigger one more room. When the smaller one is too big to be eaten, just lift the barrier.
2007-04-28 13:26:51 · answer #5 · answered by Adrienne L 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you can.
Red eared sliders aren't territorial
2007-04-28 13:26:39 · answer #6 · answered by JewelFong.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋