Sitemaps

Some help for a red-eared sliderHes about 4 years old2007-11-24 2:03:05

I have a red-eared slider (turtle). He's in an aqarium that gives him plenty of room to swim. He's alone, except for the occassional guppies, which he loves to eat. My question, he gets so excited when my wife or I approach the tank to feed him. He swims frantically and will follow our head movements back and forth along the legnth of the tank. I was wondering if he needs a companion. I notice many times he will stare into the glass at the edge of the tank. He sees a reflection of himself. I didn't realize turtles had such personality, etc. I have a book, but it says nothing about companionship. Can anyone help me out on this. Any other info in the red-eared slider would also be most appreciated. My book says they even go through periods of depression.

Answers:

Hi, I know what you mean about personality. I had a yellow belly slider that was a complete clown. And would beg for food and to be pet. They have very sensitive shells believe it or not and many love to be pet once they trust you. He was in a 500 gallon aquarium. When we got stationed overseas I donated him and the aquarium to a school ag program so he'd have plenty of attention. Well he did get lonely and depressed over winter breaks so they paired him with another male. A red ear. That stopped his depression. So I guess the answer would be yes. You do have to make sure your filtration is doubled and watch out for agression. I have read sometimes they can be territorial, but for the most part turtles are social creatures. I was once very active with a forum you may find interesting and helpful. http://happyturtle.ms11.net/ the members there have a wealth of knowledge. Oh, i had 37 different types of fish in with him and two snails that would lay eggs and when they hatched Creek would snack on them like popcorn. Good luck.

---

For the most part, reptiles of all sorts are pretty self contained (read: self centered and oblivious).