Red-eared sliders are the most popular pet turtle worldwide. Many people find them to be entertaining and exciting pets to observe. If you own a red-eared slider turtle, you might be wondering if it ever gets lonely. This article will answer your questions on whether red-eared slider turtles get lonely and what to do to solve this. 

Do Red Eared Sliders Get Lonely?

No, red-eared sliders generally do not get lonely. Turtles are are not very social creatures, and actually prefer to keep to themselves.

Most turtles prefer to be alone, away from other turtles or animals. Most turtles in the wild live pretty solitary lives except for mating season. This is because turtles usually compete with each other for food and basking spots in the wild.

Even if they are kept alone in a tank, most turtles will live happy and healthy lives in seclusion. However, you can put fish in your turtle tank to help stimulate them.

While you can certainly get another turtle for your tank, keep in mind that they might start fighting like the turtles in the video below.

How to stimulate your pet turtle?

Red-eared slider turtles are a solitary species, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy socializing. If you believe your turtle is lonely, you can find other ways to keep them company. Here are some ideas to help them feel less lonely:

• Interact with your turtle: Red-eared slider turtles are more social with people than other species. To keep them from feeling lonely, you can play with them or keep them company. In fact, turtles can get attached to their owners, especially the ones that feed them.
• Create a play area for your turtle: Your red-eared slider turtle may appear lonely, but it may simply be bored. Set up a play area with an obstacle maze, rafts, empty shells, and toys to keep your turtle entertained. This keeps them happy and provides them with the necessary physical activity. You can learn more in my article on the best toys for a red eared slider.
• Teach your turtle tricks: Spending time with your red-eared slider turtle and teaching it tricks is another way to keep it from feeling lonely. Keep it simple, as complicated tricks may stress it out instead. Remember that training takes time, and you must be patient with your pet.

You can also try taking your turtle to a park. I did this for my turtle, and you can see in the video below that she absolutely loved it.

While the above suggestions might help stimulate your turtle, it’s important to note that not all red-eared sliders like to be picked up. If they feel threatened, your red-eared slider might try to bite you.

Should you put multiple turtles in a tank?

While they prefer their own space, they might enjoy a tank mate. I suggest starting with two turtles of the same species. You should keep a close eye on them, because turtles can get aggressive with each other if they are kept in the same tank.

If you are interested in getting a red-eared slider, you should check out my guide on the best fun facts about red-eared sliders.

Why do turtles get aggressive with each other?

While turtles can certainly get along with each other and live in the same tank, there is a chance they will get aggressive. The following are some of the reasons why turtles fight:

Food

Even if you feed all of your turtles in the tank, food is the most common reason turtles fight. Turtles in the same tank will constantly try to steal food, resulting in fights. Learn more about their feeding in my guide on the best red eared slider diet.

Territory

Another reason they might fight is for control of territory. This is how animals are; it’s in their nature, and we have no control over it. This also has to do with dominance, because if one turtle asserts dominance over the others, the others will not be able to eat as much food or bask as much because the dominant turtle will take charge of the tank.

Size

Most dominant turtles will be the one that is bigger in size. Placing an adult turtle with a juvenile turtle will result in the smaller turtle being bullied by the bigger turtle for any reason imaginable, so this will lead to more fighting.

Gender

Finally, the last reason why turtles may start fighting is because of their gender. If you put one adult male and one adult female in one tank, the male will actively try to mate with the female, and she might not want to. Fighting will also occur if two males or two females are placed in the same tank. 

Conclusion

Remember that red-eared slider turtles prefer to be alone, so they may not want to be bothered by other pets or interactions with humans. If they want to be alone, they may hiss at you to indicate this. When kept in a tank with other turtles, they may bully and intimidate other turtles in the tank.

This is why it is best to keep them in a tank alone. Most turtles prefer solitude, but each turtle has a unique personality, influencing how well they get along with other turtles.

They prefer to be alone for no particular reason; it’s just how they are. You don’t have to worry about your turtle becoming lonely. Simply make sure that your turtle has an ideal habitat with the food and water it needs to live a long and healthy life.