1 or 2
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We are looking into getting a turtle, and have our hearts set on a Terrapin. We have been debating on getting 1 or 2. Any pro’s or con’s to having 1 vs. 2? Do they generally get along well? Do they get lonely by themselves? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Thad, welcome to the group. Many pet owners have a tendency to anthropomorphize their pets and turtle owners are no exception. There is no scientific data that might suggest that turtles get lonely but there are many accounts from turtle keepers that seem to suggest that their turtles really do enjoy each other’s company. I think the pros (observing interaction) and cons (bigger tank, small chance of nipping) of having one or two turtles will even themselves out so it’s really up to the keeper. In the wild, males and females will congregate to mate but will otherwise lead solitary lives. -Stephen C — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “thadf100”
Thad, I got two terrapins last year. I thought about getting one, but I’m glad I got two. I think they’re more interesting to watch, and I do believe they enjoy eachother. Basically, they’re stuck in a tank all day; they might as well have a friend. I have two males who have been together since they were hatchlings. They posture and wrestle like brothers do, some minor nipping, but nothing serious. Half their day is spent following (or chasing) eachother around, but I think they enjoy it. If you get one, then decide to get another one later, they might have trouble adapting to eachother. That’s why I got two when I did. Sean
In all honesty the choice is truly yours. I have 4 DBT’s (1 ornate 1chesapeake Northern and 2 Carolina) In a 250 gal tank and in my opinion they seem to enjoy each others company. Pros are the interaction is great to witness, as well as the comfort in not having a solo guy seem lonely. Cons are more cleaning, chances of nipping and that’s really it. My advise, is that if you are showing enough interest now to consider getting 2, you probobly should. Reason being that once you own 1 of these great animals you will want another. Getting a 2nd one at a later time could mean getting a seperate tank to raise the little new guy in until he’s big enough to join the other and possibly haveing them not like each other at all(which can happen even if they are raised together but less likely). So the real choice is whether or not you feel you can care for the 2. But either way get ready for the best turtle experience you will have, next to mata mata and fly river of course :). DBT’s are great pets. — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “thadf100”
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