i have had a red-eared slider for about ten years. he's never had a companion except for his owner.
He hasn't ever had any other turtle with him in the tank except for when he was a young turtle.
Would he attack another turtle if it was put in the same tank as him? (Both red eared sliders)
RES turtles can live alone or as part of a group. You will not know how your turtle will react till you put it with another. as each one has their own personality. also sexual mature males might fight for a while to establish dominance. having a larger area will reduce most issues. you should have 10 gallons for every 1 inch of shell length. as RES can get fairly large. a pond is a good choice if you live in a warm area
It is almost a given that the new turtle will get tormented by the other turtle. I have the rare RES that doesn't mind a new turtle in their space but most of the time they will immediately attack or hide for awhile and then attack.
My first turtles I put a similar sized female in with my male (never try to house 2 males together) woke up the next morning and the female was missing an eye and one of her front feet.
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So I wouldn't risk it.
The only success I have had in more than one turtle in a RES tank are bottom dwellers like musk and mud turtles.
Im somewhere along the line where you are but my male RES has been in his cage alone for 5 years. Ive always wanted to put a female in there with him but i once tried a much smaller turtle and he started snapping at them as soon as i put them in there so i didnt take any more chances and took the smaller turtles out
RES are among the most territorial of turtles. Unless you have a huge tank, something on the order of a 6 'wading pool or larger, don't put a second RES in there.
I have two of them living together for 6 years ! at first one tore the others shell, but after that, Nothing! (and the shell healed)
