Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.

Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You
Click for 65% off Shipping with Reptiles 2 You

Does my turtle need a friend?

Indy1 Apr 03, 2005 12:34 AM

I have a female ornate box turlte (about 8 years old). I was wondering if box turtles are happier when they have another box turtle with them? I do not want to "breed" her I just wondered if she would like a companion. Would two female box turtles get along? Also, would a box turtle get along with another type of turtle and if they did, should this other type of turtle also be female? I have only had my turtle for a little over a year so I am new to all this; any advise would be appreciated.

Replies (3)

Rouen Apr 03, 2005 11:38 PM

how do you know it's only 8 years old?

normally box turtles dont care if they have a companion or not, they usually only come together in the wild to mate and should paths be crossed both sexes will fight for dominance, so to answer your question, no your box turtle does not NEED a companion.
-----
My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Laurentha Apr 03, 2005 11:49 PM

Turtles are not social animals so a friend is not necessary. Also, if you get a second one, even if it is female they might not get along. A male would want to mate constantly which could very well annoy your turtle. One other thing to consider, if you had two that mated what would you do with the babies? Also, turtle can get egg bound like birds which can be deadly. Better to devout all your attention to your one.

Rouen Apr 04, 2005 02:36 PM

lone females can produce eggs, which may or may not be fertile, even if she has not been in contact with a male for a few years, also getting another would mean you need more space for them, I believe the rule of thumb is 5'x5' for one adult and another 2' for every other adult, but of course the bigger the space they have the better.
-----
My Site
1.2.1 Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
0.1 Nymphicus hollandicus
1.1 Melopsittacus undulatus
1.0 American Cocker Spaniels
1.0 American Short Hair? Cat
1.1 Rouen Ducks

Site Tools