Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Turtles > Baby and Wild adult Red Ear Sliders-Safe?

Baby and Wild adult Red Ear Sliders-Safe?

22 16:16:01

Question
Hi!  About a year ago, my husband found a Red Ear Slider in the wild.  We think it's about 13-15yrs?? (and adult turtle, non the less).  a few weeks ago, we purchased a baby Red Ear Slider.  is it safe to put them both in the same tank?  we have a 50gallon.  I just don't want the older one to eat the baby!  

Thanks in advance for your help!
Cindi

Answer
Cindi, it is not advised that you house them together, the adult turtle may be very territorial.

1: being raised in the wild makes him realize he has to fight for food and territory.
2: Being larger of the two he may be dominant over the small one and even without fighting this can stress the baby into not eating
3: a 50 gallon tank isn't even big enough for an adult RES and a bigger enclosure is better. Sharing a small space is not good
4: Being alone for so long the bigger one might se the smaller as a threat

- So all in all I do think its safe to house them separately. Especially if you dont know the gender of them. If you have two males they will definately fight to the death, in which case the larger would win

Good luck
Yexalen