A "Friend" for Leo?

Colby and the Dwarfs · 06-06-2014, 06:47 PM

So, I have 3 turtle tanks. One has my RES pair, Pirate and Katie. One has my group of 6 Yellow Bellied Sliders and Mississippi Map Turtles. One has Leonardo, or Leo, my little 3" long turtle.

My friend brought Leonardo to me with almost no explanation whatsoever. Just, "here, I'm giving you my turtle." So for the last little while, he's been living life in his tank by himself. Well, I'd hardly call it living. He eats, he swims, he basks. But mostly, he sits and stares at the glass wall. Yes, he really does that for hours on end.

I know many turtle species are very social, so I'm wondering if he'd be happier with a "friend"? I'm hesitant to use the word "friend", because it sounds like I just think it'd be cute to have him and his little friend, when that's not the case. I want him to be social, engaged, and live a life worth living. He just seems bored. I can't play with him 24/7, but another turtle could give him some company when I can't.

I can't put him in with my other turtles. They're too big. They'd attack him or deprive him of food. But I am considering buying another turtle, similar as possible to him, and introducing them(after quarantine, of course). Worst comes to worst, they'll fight and I'll separate them and love them separately.

But I just need opinions. What would you do? Is it worth it?

nibblet · 06-07-2014, 01:06 AM

If you can separate them if they fight, then I'd say give it a try

spyro87 · 06-07-2014, 01:32 AM

its worth a shot! and if it improves his quality of life even better!

**DrKMcK** · 06-07-2014, 03:49 AM

I never knew turtles fought! I would imagine that it would be good to at least try to introduce another turtle so Leo could have company. As long as you have the werewithal to go separate if necessary. I would imagine that if the new one was either smaller, or at least the same size, it could work out okay.