Lonely RES Turtle

[Vaelin]

I have a 5-6inch slider that just got a new 55 gallon tank to call home, however he doesnt seem too happy with it. It's probaly partly because I decided to go ith a bare bottom tank instead of his river rocks, but i'll probably be putting those back in. He also seems a bit lonely, or bored. He's got about 3 and a half feet of length for swimming but he just sits and hides in a corner. He seemed a lot more comfortable in his 30 gallon.

So what I was wondering is: Is a 55 gallon tank big enough to house to 5-6 inch sliders, Would it be safe to introduce a new turtle (fearing aggression more than disease..but now that I think about it, disease too) and if I do end up getting one is it better to get a female as he is male, or would it be okay to get another male as I want to avoid little turtle babies.

 

[Zari]

I have a 5-6inch slider that just got a new 55 gallon tank to call home, however he doesnt seem too happy with it. It's probaly partly because I decided to go ith a bare bottom tank instead of his river rocks, but i'll probably be putting those back in. He also seems a bit lonely, or bored. He's got about 3 and a half feet of length for swimming but he just sits and hides in a corner. He seemed a lot more comfortable in his 30 gallon.

So what I was wondering is: Is a 55 gallon tank big enough to house to 5-6 inch sliders, Would it be safe to introduce a new turtle (fearing aggression more than disease..but now that I think about it, disease too) and if I do end up getting one is it better to get a female as he is male, or would it be okay to get another male as I want to avoid little turtle babies.

At 5-6 in a 55 is fine, The general rule of thumb is 10gallons per inch of shell at least, 2"=20gal, 12"=120gal etc. As for another turtle I'd say only do it after you can upgrade your tank you don't need 10gallons per inch of shell after the first but make sure there's adequate space for em at full grown size 12"-13" for females 8"-10" for males. A cheap and easy way to a good size space is a kiddie pool I bought a plastic snap set pool 6' the bottom is kinda thin but I covered it with a tarp then put sand on that and its just fine. With two turtles 6' is just fine could do probably 4 with that much space, a 6' works out to 260gallons depending on how full it is. I made mine for roughly 180 including filter and heater and ply wood for a surface around it

As for disease just quarantine the new guy for 2weeks or so and observe em. If you don't want little turtle babies there is no one forcing you to hatch the eggs.

 

[Creek_stomper]

Turtles are solitary animals and do not seek out each other for company or for any other reason than mating. At best, they tolerate each other. A male may show territorial aggression towards other males or mating aggression toward females. Both can be fatal (usually with females it's stress and exhaustion). Your current setup is not big enough for two RES, nonetheless big enough for two where there may be aggression; if that's the case, there needs to be room for them to stay out of their way.

Often getting separate species will help curb aggression, as turtles are wired to compete with/mate with turtles of their own or similar species. Size is also important... it doesn't take more than an inquisitive bite for a larger turtle to kill a hatchling. It doesn't even have to be an aggressive strike.

In any case, know that adding a second turtle of any kind is a crapshoot. It could be fine, or it could end in death. There's no way to really know.

How long has your turtle been in his new habitat? It often takes up to 2 weeks for turtles to acclimate to new surrounds, during which time they may not bask or eat. Also be vigilant concerning other symptoms of RI or other illnesses that can cause lethargy, just in case.

Josh H

 

[kwells]

He's probably not used to the new setup. Give him some time to get used to it. Your tank isn't big enough for another turtle.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Turtles are solitary animals and do not seek out each other for company or for any other reason than mating. At best, they tolerate each other.

You beat me to it. Turtle can live long, happy lives by themselves. They don't get lonely and actually adding another animal can stress them.

 

[Zari]

You beat me to it. Turtle can live long, happy lives by themselves. They don't get lonely and actually adding another animal can stress them.

Why everyone says this I'm not sure, and I'm not going to say it isn't true, but my littlest turtle, Bowser, seams to be a lot happier with other turtles, So does my Smaller female. But my largest female could care less for the most part as long as she has food.

 

[biguebs]

Give him some substrate and put some other stuff (fake plants, driftwood, etc) in there and let him acclimate. He'll be loving it in no time.

If he has never lived with other turtles, I probably wouldn't introduce another turtle without having a larger tank. Would probably stress him out more than help him.

 

[paul112]

Why everyone says this I'm not sure, and I'm not going to say it isn't true, but my littlest turtle, Bowser, seams to be a lot happier with other turtles, So does my Smaller female. But my largest female could care less for the most part as long as she has food.

Too many people buy several baby turtles at once, so that they can all be "friends", and end up with aggression issues, stress, much more demanding requirements etc, it's a very common problem. I'll echo the above comments and also remark that turtles are solitary animals, adding more adds risk to your current turtle.

Paul

 

[Vicious_Fish]

Why everyone says this I'm not sure, and I'm not going to say it isn't true, but my littlest turtle, Bowser, seams to be a lot happier with other turtles, So does my Smaller female. But my largest female could care less for the most part as long as she has food.

Just my opinion but in the world of the turtle it's everyone for themselves. Yes, an extra set of eyes to spot a predator while basking on a log has saved a turtle or two but the main fact is that they view each other as competition.

In the wild turtles have plenty of room to establish territory and avoid each other. But in captivity a majority of people cram numerous turtles together like Paul mentioned and expect everyone to play nice and that rarely happens. Turtles have a pecking order and dominate turtles bully the subordinate ones. Next you have stressed animals that can't avoid confrontation because the tank is too small. Or how about when you keep a pair together and the female is constantly harassed by the breeding attempts of a horny male turtle? All because people think they need "friends".

I'm not saying keeping multiple turtles together can't be done (I'm guilty of it). It's just very important that you have enough space and visual barriers. Turtles are some of the most abused reptiles on earth. I'm willing to bet you that 90% of the ones out there are being kept in enclosures too small. They really are a big commitment if your goal is to keep them healthy and long-lived. I think it's safe to say that the OP's tank is already too small for a growing RES. An upgrade should be first before a second turtle is even considered.

 

[coura]

I would say that some turtles indeed seem to enjoy each others company and seem more atentive, responsive and healtier in the company of animals of the same species. Female res, maps and cooters are a good example. Male maps do also great together.