Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Just acquired a 5 year old Red Ear slider turtle

[cprcheetah]

Okay, I posted something on a different topic last night, but wanted to formally introduce myself and Zeke. I am a Veterinary Technician, have worked in the field for 15+ years, and was at Petco yesterday with some of our adoption kittens trying to place them in new homes, when someone brought in a 5 year old RES Turtle that they had 'outgrown'. I have had lots of other 'exotic' pets but never a turtle. Have had an Iguana, Chinchillas, Ferretts, Hedgehogs etc. I know very little about turtles but am learning as much as I possibly can. One of the other girls who was with another rescue also works at Petco, and checked him out, he had slime on his shell so he was given a sulfur dip, and she determined he was a male due to his tail size and his claws on his front feet. She asked if anyone wanted him, and I went out on a limb and said I would take him home. He came with a 20 Gallon aquarium (small I know....working on figuring out something else). I have a 30 gallon fish tank but it is tall not long like the 20 gallon one would that one be better? Also came with 2 pumps, heater, overhead light, food, and a floating dock. From my research I have determined a few things that I need to do to help Zeke. He needs fresh veggies more, I don't think they were giving him anything. Also needs larger tank. Also needs a basking light. Which we are working on. I am going to scrub his shell with a toothbrush as he still has some algae on it. I do have a question. Do they do well with other turtles? So if in the future I want to get a baby, after the 90 day quarantine period could they be kept in the same enclosure or would it be best to keep them separate? I am already in love with Zeke, very fascinating to watch, and he doesn't mind getting petted. IT's neat. I am going to measure and weigh him a little later. Anyways thanks for letting me join, it has already been immensely helpful! The Petcare sheet I got from PetCo wasn't too helpful at all as it said he needed a substrate...which I have learned he doesn't. I was very confused about if he just needed a little water or a lot, but quickly dispelled that myth also, have his tank almost full and he is LOVING swimming everywhere. My cats are very fascinated watching him, but don't worry they won't be allowed to harm him, ever. So after payday we are going to pick up some river rock and put a few in his tank so he can play with them if he feels like it.

[missibsu]

Welcome! You've been busy posting already and it's great to have you on board...no pun intended. You are the first person I have met that has also had hedgehogs...mine passes away my senior year of college. She was great though, a little on the mean side, but a fun pet.

In response to adding an additional turtle. There are risks with doing so. Most important thing to watch for is aggression. There are recommended water amounts, and keeping two turtles in less than that can lead to aggression even quicker. Even with an environment that is larger than they need doesn't mean that it won't start. Feeding time is another source of aggression. Sometimes it helps to feed them separately. That is something you will just have to try later. Also, it would be a good idea if the turtles were close in size. A smaller turtle can easily be picked on, or even accidently injured by a larger turtle.

[cprcheetah]

I loved my Hedgies. Had Holly who was an albino, and Henry who was the typical. They were so much fun. We bought Henry, and rescued Holly from a school room. I miss them, hopefully when my hubby and I get our own place I will be able to have some again. They were awesome!

Anyways I am learning so much from this board, and from different websites online. I look forward to enhancing Zekes life to his fullest potential. I am happy that I was able to 'rescue' him. Although it may take some time before I can get him in the 'ideal' set up, I will do the best I can until then.

[sonyj]

Welcome to the forum.

[sQuirtle]

Welcome Zeke

[steve]

Nice save and turtle!