Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

We have the opportunity to introduce a baby RES (little over 1" in measurement) with our 2 year old RES, keeping them together in a 20 gallon tank. Any experience with this? Anything I should be aware of? Is this turtle too young to be together with an older RES?

I am hoping that they will be good companions for each other....

Any advice you can offer would help.

Many thanks in advance!

Hey,

Turtles don't always get along and if you got a relatively small one with a big one, be careful. A good rule of thumb is to provide enough space for both of them as well as hiding spaces. When feeding, the bigger turtle can sometimes bite the smaller one's head by accident (or on purpose). I've seen small guys bully bigger ones too, however. After a while, they may tolerate each other.

I usually don't risk it when they're babies. If they show signs of aggression, I would separate and maybe house one in a cheap rubbermaid container to cut down costs of a new tank.

Johnny

I don't know how large your older turtles are, but I wouldn't advise putting a hatchling with anything other than another hatchling, for safety purposes.

Katrina