Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

I'm gonna post this a couple of places and I apologize if if's been asked or answered before (or just totally ignorant...).

I have a BTS and a box turtle (as well as a ball python, who is not involved in this issue for obvious reasons). Any reason not to house the BTS and the box together? I've never even considered it before (I quarantine every new herp and none of them even reside in the same room), but I've had my box turtle for 14 years, and my BTS is now 2 years old. I'm tempted to think that the turtle would wound the BTS (Norman, by the way), eating toes, etc., as he is fairly aggressive with other turtles, but any thoughts on this?

If you think this is a terrible idea I need to say that I'm not trying to be a doofus, just that the thought crossed my mind and would appreciate any input.

Thanks!

Beck

Box turtles harbor all kinds of pathogens that could be potentially harmful to your BTS, and the situation could also work the other way around with your BTS spreading something to the Turtle, or even worse they could both contaminate each other. This is, of course, not even addressing the potential aggression issues that could also work both ways also. In short, I would say no.

n/p
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Edward
Carpe diem

I will be home all day. It has been too long!

Thanks guys...

I'm getting the same respone from the box tutrle forum, and I have to say I agree. Aggression on both their parts, food competetion and climate are all things I thought of, and I tend to forget about the pathogen issue since they're both healthy.

It isn't natural, and if it's not broke, don't fix it, right?

Thanks again!

Beck (& the herps, who will live happily ever after in their own enclosures)

I know you've already decided not to do it, which is good, but I'd like to mention another reason for anyone else who might consider it in the future.

Turtles (and crocodilians) can be carries of entamoeba invadens. This pathogen is not usually harmful to chlonians, is difficult to test for reliably, and is lethal to lizards and snakes. For this reason alone it is never a good idea to house chelonians with other reptiles.

-Z