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I just wanted to know if anyone knew how much RES are at PetsMart & PetCo?

I've never seen RES at our Petsmart and PetCo. here. I've seen tortoises and various lizards though.

It depends on what size RES you get. Around here they go for $20.00 to $40.00. I was very impressed the other day at petco. They had a very large tank set-up with only three, I would guess, 5 inch RES that seem to be in perfect health. Not only that but they also had a two page care sheet that told anyone looking exactly what they where getting themselves into, and how much work they where, and how big of a tank they need, and how big of a tank they where going to need, and the money it takes to raise one, ect ect.

They only had one guy working the fish/reptile part of the store, but I over herd him talking to someone who seem very interested in the RES. He didn't go for the sale he told them exactly what was what and they changed there mind!! This was one of the rare times the "pet store guy" knew exactly what he was talking about!

Well I have been reading alot about RES's. I'm really doing my homework first. These turtles really intrigue me because I took care of one when I was in the 4th grade. My homeroom teacher had lots of animals in her class. I use to also have an iguana, which I took care of really good but had to give him up because we were moving. I'm hoping I can get two RES and from what I've been reading I should be a 40-55gal. tank for two.

You should buy the biggest tank you can afford now. The rule of the thump is 10 gal. of water per inch of shell (head to tail without curve, head, or tail included) per turtle. So your RES would only have to grow to be 2 inchs each and that can happen rather quickly.

So bigger tank first = save big $$$$ on costly upgrade later.

I have two turtles, and they would have outgrown a 55 gallon in the first year. They are in a 75 gallon currently, and technically speaking it's a bit on the small side.

If I had to do it over again, I'd only get one. You don't have to worry about aggression, you don't have to worry about separation if one gets sick. I am constantly observing, watching for signs of aggression between my two. Even if the set up is large enough by the guidelines, there is always a risk of them not getting along.

Anyone know where I could find a good deal on a good sized tank?

The Petsmart here doesn't sell RES---they wisely know how difficult it is to care for them. The Petco here sells RES for around $18.99.

For a good deal you can check your local freecycle group or craigslist.

www.freecycle.org and www.craigslist.com

Everything that comes through the freecycle group is of course free, which means that you may have a hard time finding a larger tank.

res at the petsmarts and petcos here in boston are around $17-20

Which sex is better to get a male or a female? Can you choose which sex you want at most pet stores?

Better? Males are smaller and don't lay eggs. Unless you get a turtle that is over 4" you won't be able to tell the sex so it's hit and miss. I had 3 turtles ended up with 2 males and a female.

Since most stores in the US don't sell turtles under 4", you can choose the sex you want. Just make sure you read up on how to tell males from females since most pet store workers don't really know.

I agree with Carol - males are "easier" because you don't need as large a habitat nor a nesting area like you do with females.

CountryGirl68 wrote:Since most stores in the US don't sell turtles under 4", you can choose the sex you want. Just make sure you read up on how to tell males from females since most pet store workers don't really know.

I agree with Carol - males are "easier" because you don't need as large a habitat nor a nesting area like you do with females.

Thanks, I'll really keep that in mind. Now am I correct that for every inch the turtle is you count 10 gal. for the size of habitat for it to live in.

WeirdMeta wrote:Now am I correct that for every inch the turtle is you count 10 gal. for the size of habitat for it to live in.

Yes, the tank should be at least 10gallons for every shell inch. If you can afford it now, go as big as you can. For males, you can get a 75g tank (that is long and at least 18" wide) and this will last him forever. For a female, you need at least 120 gallons. The width of the tank should be at least twice the size of the full grown turtle to allow them to turn easily.