Snapping Turtles: Can They Share A Home?

can two snapping turtles live together

Whether two snapping turtles can live together depends on a variety of factors, including the size of their tank, their species, and their individual personalities. While some owners have reported success in housing multiple turtles together, others have experienced aggression and territorial behaviour. It is generally recommended that different species of turtles should not be housed together due to the risk of disease transmission, territorial aggression, and conflicting climate requirements. Even turtles of the same species may exhibit strong territorial streaks, especially in cramped quarters or when there is a size difference between the turtles. Ultimately, the decision to house two snapping turtles together should be made carefully, taking into account the specific needs and dispositions of the individual turtles involved.

Characteristics Values
Can two snapping turtles live together? It is not recommended to keep two snapping turtles together, especially if they are different species.
Different species living together Turtles of different species should not share enclosures due to the risk of disease transmission, territorial aggression, and conflicting climate requirements.
Same species living together Even turtles of the same species may not get along due to strong territorial streaks. It is risky to place small and large individuals together, and youngsters and mature specimens should be kept separately.
Tank size A 40-gallon tank is not big enough for two turtles. A larger tank or pond may work, but it depends on the turtles' personalities.
Social behaviour Turtles are not social animals and do not typically "get along" when forced together.
Aggression Aggression between turtles can escalate to violence and severe wounds or even death.
Health risks If one turtle carries an ailment that the other is invulnerable to, there is a risk of transmission and the other turtle getting extremely sick or dying.

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Different species of turtles shouldn't be housed together

Different species of turtles should not be housed together. Turtles are not social animals and do not "get along" when forced together. Even if they seem to be getting along, it will only seem fine until it doesn't. In addition, different species of turtles have different needs and requirements for their habitats, food, and care, so it is best to keep them separated.

Turtles are extremely territorial and solitary in the wild and would prefer as few competitors for food and resources as possible. In the wild, adult snapping turtles are rarely seen closer than 10 feet from each other unless they are breeding. This means that they prefer to be alone and will not be lonely, as this is the best condition for them to live in.

Mixing different species of turtles can also lead to breeding, which can result in mongrels. This is not recommended, as it can create hybrids that may have health issues or behavioural problems.

Furthermore, different species of turtles may have different bacteria, pathogens, and diseases that they can transmit to each other. This can lead to health issues and even death for the turtles.

Therefore, it is best to keep different species of turtles separated and provide them with species-specific care and habitats to ensure their health and well-being.

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Turtles are territorial and may fight

Turtles are territorial creatures and may fight if housed together. This is especially true if the turtles are from different species, as they may have conflicting climate requirements and dietary needs. For example, one user on Reddit reported that their snapping turtle and common snapping turtle could not live together, as the former would likely kill the latter.

Even turtles of the same species can exhibit strong territorial streaks, and severe aggression may occur if they are kept in cramped quarters or if there is a large size difference. One user on Reddit reported that their two turtles, which were of different sizes, were getting along until the bigger turtle stepped on the smaller one, causing the smaller turtle to snap. Another user reported that their Eastern painted slider and snapping turtle were buddies until the snapper got too big, at which point they were separated.

Some owners have reported success in keeping turtles of different species together, but this is not recommended unless the turtles have been together since they were young. Additionally, a large tank or pond with many distractions is necessary to mitigate the risk of fighting.

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Turtles may carry different diseases

While it is not recommended to house snapping turtles with other turtles, one disease that turtles commonly carry is Salmonella. Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that causes gastrointestinal illness. It is very common for reptiles to carry Salmonella and not show any clinical signs as it is part of their normal gastrointestinal microbes. Basic hygiene is key to keeping yourself safe from Salmonella when handling turtles. This includes washing your hands before and after handling your pet turtle and keeping turtle system cleaning equipment out of your kitchen. Regularly cleaning your turtle's enclosure and changing their water is also critical to reducing your risk of contracting Salmonella.

Another common disease of aquatic turtles is metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD is an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus due to an improper diet, lack of adequate ultraviolet (UV) light, or a combination of both. Turtles affected by MBD will grow slowly and often never grow to their full adult size. Signs of MBD include a misshapen shell or deformed bones in one or all four legs.

Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) is another common disease in turtles and occurs when turtles are fed an inappropriate diet. Lack of vitamin A produces changes in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and mucus-producing glands and membranes lining the mouth, eyes, kidneys, and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, swelling of the eyelids (often with a pus-like discharge), swelling of the ear (due to the formation of an ear abscess), kidney failure, and/or chronic respiratory infections.

Abscesses are also common in turtles and appear as hard, tumor-like swellings anywhere on the skin or within the body. They often develop in turtles' ears or oral cavity and appear as large swellings on the sides of the head, just behind the eyes, or on the roof of the mouth.

Shell infections (also known as shell rot) are often caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, and can penetrate deep into the layers of the shell, causing ulcers, pitting of the shell, or extension into the bone below.

Gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms and protozoa, are common in pet turtles. In many cases, parasitic infections do not cause any clinical signs, but with severe infection, parasites may cause diarrhea or weight loss and may require treatment.

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Turtles have different food and climate needs

Turtles have varying dietary and climate needs. For example, African sideneck turtles require a varied diet to prevent vitamin A and D3 deficiencies, whereas Reeve's turtles require a diet high in protein. The climate for African sideneck turtles should never drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while spotted turtles require warm basking platforms and ornaments that allow them to rest outside of the water.

The climate and dietary needs of turtles can also change as they mature. Red-eared sliders, for instance, can be housed indoors or outdoors, but as they mature, it can be easier to provide them with the space they need outdoors. Similarly, the dietary needs of red-eared sliders increase as they grow, and their larger housing requirements mean they can be more expensive to care for.

Turtles' dietary needs can also depend on their size. For instance, the smaller the turtle, the smaller the enclosure needed, and therefore the cost of food may be lower. Larger turtles, such as red-eared sliders, will require a larger tank and more food.

Turtles' dietary needs can also depend on their species. For example, aquatic turtles such as musk turtles and spotted turtles are not strong swimmers, so their water should not be too deep. In contrast, wood turtles are not aquatic and could drown in water that is too deep.

Turtles' climate needs can also depend on their species. For example, Eastern box turtles can live indoors or outdoors with the right housing, whereas Russian tortoises require time outdoors.

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Turtles have different dispositions and one may harass the other

Turtles are solitary creatures and do not enjoy the company of other turtles. They are not social animals and are extremely territorial. This is especially true for snapping turtles, which are known to be aggressive and prone to attacking other turtles. Even if they are not being aggressive, the larger turtle may harass the smaller one by stepping on it or swimming over it. This can cause the smaller turtle to feel threatened and snap at the larger one. While it may seem like the two turtles are getting along, the situation can quickly escalate and result in tragedy.

The size difference between the turtles also matters. If one turtle is significantly larger than the other, it may see the smaller turtle as a potential source of food. Additionally, a larger turtle may unintentionally harm the smaller one by stepping on it or being too rough during play.

Even if the turtles are similar in size, they may still exhibit aggressive behavior towards each other. This is because turtles are naturally solitary and do not enjoy sharing their resources, such as food and shelter. They may become competitive and try to establish dominance, which can lead to fighting and injury.

To minimize the risk of conflict, it is important to provide each turtle with its own tank or pond. The enclosure should be spacious and contain plenty of distractions, such as plants and decorations, to keep the turtles entertained and provide hiding spots. If you do choose to house two turtles together, it is important to monitor their behavior closely and be prepared to separate them if necessary.

In conclusion, turtles have different dispositions, and one may harass the other, leading to conflict and potential injury. It is important to provide each turtle with its own space and to be cautious when introducing them to each other.

Frequently asked questions

It is not advisable to keep snapping turtles with other turtles, even if they are of the same species. They are extremely territorial and solitary animals. They can be aggressive and may fight, which could be fatal.

Baby snapping turtles should also be kept alone. Young turtles should not be kept with mature specimens, even if they are of the same species.

While a large pond with lots of structure may work, this should only be attempted by trained professionals at zoological facilities.

It is not recommended to keep snapping turtles with other species of turtles. This can lead to severe territorial aggression, conflicting climate requirements, and potential disease transmission.

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