Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We were "foster parents" for a co-workers RES for a 4 months. My RES and the new one didn't show any major aggressive behavior so it was fine. They didn't really seem to interact that much and often pushed each other around to get at the food or basking stops. In fact, the new one (3" would lay on top of my smaller RES (2.25" and annoy it.

Anyways, two days ago, we gave back the turtle to the original owner who can take care of it now (was moving around and stuff). After a day, my RES seems more frightened and listless. Before, he used to swim around actively, come to me to beg for food, etc. Now he hangs out in the far corner of his tank, doesn't eat much and swims away from me.

I am worried now.
1) is it loneliness? I thought RES weren't really social creatures like dogs
2) is he sick?
3) is it just moodiness?

I would just keep observing him to make sure he is not showing any signs of illness.

As far as him being a bit more skittish it may be in response to the fact that his tankmate is gone. He may not be "missing" him per se but definitely senses that he is gone and may be a bit more "on look out" for whatever potential "predator" took the other turtle out.

"Missing" is kind of hard to judge. I am sure the other turtle's presence in the tank was a source of stimulation but Turtles, generally speaking, are solitary.

As I have always said though --until anyone of us learns to speak turtle -- we can never be quite sure what goes on in their little heads.

I am sure you little guy will settle back down to his old self soon. Just do be mindful of an signs of illness (respiratory or other).

Steve

You changed his environment, he is reacting to the change, not out of loneliness. Assuming he isn't sick, he should be back to his old self in a few days.
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Thanks to both of you for the reassuring comments. He seems to be more like his old style these days.