Lonely Forever?

"I've noticed my turtle is surrounded by water and rocks. She is surrounded by nothing! I watch her alone in the corner of her tank. I wonder if she ever feels lonely–I know I would." Field-notes 11/08

Photo taken by Nayeli Robles 11/08/14 

Perhaps my turtle needs a companion? She is alone everyday–I bet she gets bored. I try to put myself in her shoes, if I was alone in a tank all day what would I do? (I would probably loose my mind.) What is there to do all day? Perhaps swim in circles. I realize she is a turtle but she does have feelings too.

I decided to research what other types of animals would get along with red eared sliders. I was disappointed to find it is a bit more complicated than I expected. According to "What Animals get along with Red Eared Sliders" Red eared sliders tend to not get along with other animals since they will prey upon them especially smaller animals. The best cage mates for red eared sliders are other turtles although they can sometimes have problems too. (I remember one day when I had another turtle, I found them biting each other's legs.) Most owners keep their turtles with goldfishes and minnows because they are inexpensive and easy to replace. (That is just cruel!) I sadly found the only way my turtle can have a companion is by providing places where the other animal can hide and supplying both of them with plenty of food. (Team).

I know my turtle would be vicious enough to immediately prey upon other animals. She has an obsession with food. I could never let another animal live in torment and constantly avoid being hunted down.

"It seems like my turtle is successful once again–she has tricked my dad into constantly feeding her. The tank stinks and it is clearly dirty (The water is now green.) My dad is no longer allowed to feed her." Field-notes 11/05

It might be a while until I decide whether I want to risk the life of another animal. It seems like for now my turtle will continue to ride solo.

Work Cited

Team, Ben. "What Animals get along with Red Eared Sliders?" Animals. N.p. n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2014. 

Through her eyes

"I look into my turtle's eyes. They are intimidating and beautiful! I see a dark green color then a black stripe crossing the center of her eyes. They look so deep and mysterious." Field-notes 10/30

The look in her eyes
Photo taken by Nayeli Robles 10/30/14

Looking into my turtle's eyes intimidated me. They appeared so frightening like those of a snake. Maybe it was my turtle's overall appearance that caused my curiosity. What other types of animals were related to turtles? I was sure either lizards or snakes would have close similarities with turtles–I was wrong.

Turns out the origin of turtles is an unanswered question. Studies show turtles are either evolving from the ancestors of snakes and lizards or from the ancestors of crocodilians and birds. Researchers of Boston University confirmed turtles are more closely related to the ancestors of crocodilians and birds. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523200301.htm) How surprising right!

Work Cited

Boston University College of Arts and Sciences. "Turtles more closely related to birds than lizards and snakes, genetic evidence shows." Science Daily. N.p. 23 May. 2012. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.