Beardies and turtles together?

Status
Not open for further replies.

razorback

Member
My beardie George is one and a half years old and free ranges in my music practice room (10'x12') He has a porch below a Repti-Sun 10.o UVB and the porch is elevated with a 40W bulb underneath. Early on in a cage there was a basking rock with a light shining on the rock from outside the cage. He would never lay on the rock but rather climb the side of the cage and adjust himself to where his belly faced the lamp. Thus when he was free ranged, his basking light was placed below him inside a non accessible housing.
Now to the point. I am wondering if it would be wise to introduce a wild box turtle as a room mate for George. There are many around here. Any advice will be appreciated.
 

AHBD

BD.org Sicko
Your free range boy should remain alone, the turtle can introduce bacteria + parasites to your beardie.
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
If you are keeping the wild turtle as a pet , quarantine it for at least 6 weeks to allow it to shed any paracites it might have, I'd also get the local reptile vet check it to ensure it's not carrying any nasty wild viruses and bacteria.

Once the vet gives the turtle "the all clear" , you should be fine to introduce it to the pet bearded dragon.

Just be aware if the wild turtle is "food sized" it's likely to become a snack.

I know of some folks here who house captive bred eastern water dragons and captive bred long necked ( native ) turtles and captive bred eastern water skinks and captive bred long necked turtles together. So it can be done if done properly ( large enclosure , providing proper heat and UV etc for both species - not that in the wild here all three species often live in the same area , this is why it works so well for these ).
 

loljelloclowdz

Juvie Member
It’s illegal in many states to take box turtles out of the wild, I wouldn’t.

Also it’s never a good idea to introduce two species if one or more of those species is known to be territorial.
 

razorback

Member
Original Poster
Thank you for all of your advice. For all of the reasons you have offered, I will not introduce a turtle of any kind into George's room. George doesn't need a room mate. He is happy just the way it is.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Members online

No members online now.

Latest resources

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Getting ready for another day. Feeling sleepy. 😴
I just walked into my room and instead of looking at me, Swordtail's eyes darted directly to the ice cream drumstick I'm holding
Finally replaced Swordtail's substrate
I miss you so much, Amaris 💔
What is a quick way to warm up a cold beardie? His heating element went out overnight and now he's very cold.

Forum statistics

Threads
156,047
Messages
1,257,151
Members
76,045
Latest member
Chad03109
Top Bottom