Reptile & Amphibian Forums

There's a reptile show next weekend that I'm planning on going to. That's where I got my 2 false maps.
I want 2 more turtles to put with Spot and Squiggles, depending on size difference. Now, I'm wondering if that'll cause a probelm. Spot and Squiggles are definately boys and if I get 2 more that end up being males or a male and female, will they fight?? I am planning on building an indoor pond when I buy a new house this year so I'll have plenty of room when they get bigger.
If I get two more, I can't decide on what kind. I want something colorful but don't want sliders. I was thinking of a painted. I guess it depends on what kind they have at the show if any. I've seen there before so maybe I'll get lucky.

I can't answer everything but I'll suggest a couple of things. Keep your male to female ratios at 2 or more females per male. Don't put one poor female in with two or three males. The constant mating pressure will stress her. Also, it's a good idea to quarantine any new turtles for 2-3 months before placing them in with your present turtles. That gives the new ones plenty of time to show evidence of disease. Don't trust that you are getting healthy turtles from any source. Remember mature females need access to land/dirt to lay eggs in. Have a look at this water turtle care page.
water turtle care page

Thanks for your reply.

Don't worry, I wasn't planning on putting them together until after a quarantine time.
I'm hoping when I go to the show, they'll have some turtles big enough to sex. After some reading and thinking, I decided that I really don't want any females. I have enough eggs to take care off between my birds and my cornsnakes.

Anita summed things up great but I just wanted to ad one more point. The species that you want to keep are fairly common ones and you may want to check into adopting one or two that need a home from one of the many turtle rescues out there.

There are so many in need of good homes.

Where are you located? Just wondering if you are in New York as we are having a Herp Expo in Whiteplains this weekend.

If so check out Turtlehomes or Turtle Rescue of Long Island for adoption applications. You may have to wait alittle while to get the animals but it is worth it if you can give a good home to a animal that needs it.

One other thing to consider. Female maps (should you go that route) are considerably larger than males. You will need to account for their size when making you indoor enclosure.

Steve

The greater problem is courtship behavior in which males chase females relentlessly in confined habitats where they can't escape contact. Neck and leg biting is common among sliders and cooters, somtimes among maps. Ma;es will court males in the absence of females and even other species.