RES partners?

Question
Thank you for your answer to my previous question. Our RES was (and is!) definitely laying eggs - I opened one up and it had a yolk! - They are definitely infertile because Scamps has been a lone RES for some years. This brings on the next question! Scamps has been a lone RES for all her life and she is 18, we assumed that if we got another RES now it would stress her rather than be a companion, are we right in thinking that or would she be happier with a fellow RES? Obviously any RES we could buy now would be a lot younger than her and we don't want to upset her. What is best to do?

Answer
As a species, the pond turtles are only mildly social animals, mostly ignoring each other and rarely seeming antagonistic towards others.

So, a cagemate is not a big deal, assuming...

1. There is enough room and food, no crowding or environmental stress, and

2. That the two have even temperments. Every now and then you find a 'bully' who does not like to share the resources and spots in the cage.

Personally, I'd go for it if you have the room. As a keeper, I've always thought that small herds were more fun than individuals.