You are currently browsing comments. If you would like to return to the full story, you can read the full entry here: “Is it OK to keep a pet turtle?”.
Is it OK to keep a pet turtle?
This entry was posted in Storing Food and tagged animal, cage, captivity, friend, pet, pet turtle, turtle, wrong. Bookmark the permalink.
8 Responses to Is it OK to keep a pet turtle?
they don’t have same instincts as a wild turtle and if you just keep it in it’s cage that is more of a jail just take it out and let it play or something
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
What kind of turtle? If it’s one of the little ones you buy at a pet store, it may be illegal to turn it loose in the wild, anyway.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/reptiles/turtles_pets.html
If it’s a turtle that you found and decided to keep, turn him loose – wild animals are meant to stay in the wild.
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
yeee why not i no some with about 3
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
DO NOT RELEASE THE TURTLE!!!!
Here is what would happen if you release your turtle into the wild:
-If they are not native to the area, they could become established pests and disrupt the ecosystem, as has happened with red-eared sliders throughout the world.
-If they ARE native to the area, genetic pollution would occur when they breed with local specimens.
-They could introduce diseases to the local turtles
-They may not survive the new habitat
Releasing captive reptiles into the wild has caused problems throughout the world, yet people still continue to do it. Why? Ignorance, I guess.
DO NOT RELEASE THE TURTLE!
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
Glass aquariums are by far the most common choice based on their attractiveness and availability. They are usually more expensive but have a wider assortment of accessories. Glass aquariums are generally built for fish, not for an active, foot long RES. You should not place anything in your tank that either weakens its design or can be accidentally used to break or crack the glass. Glass is heavy and should be very smooth – any cracks that may appear need immediate attention and repair. Well-maintained glass aquariums should last a long time and can be a worthwhile investment.
There are standard aquariums and ones described as breeder, long, wide, tall and turtle-specific tanks. Standard aquariums 40 gallons and larger are usually 18″ wide. “Wide tanks” normally have a greater width but a reduced height. “Long tanks” usually sacrifice height for length. Either is fine as long as they provide enough width for your turtle. “Breeder tanks” offer a wider and longer area and a reduced height. It may be difficult to find breeder, long and wide tanks above a 40-gallon capacity.
There are certain tanks that you should avoid. Turtle-specific tanks are a poor option. They are inadequately designed and marketed for easier maintenance. While one side of the tank is partially cut away to allow for access to the water filter, it also reduces the structural strength and limits the water level. Aquariums described as “tall tanks” are not suitable since they offer less horizontal movement. Specialty aquariums, like those that come in an octagon shape, are not suitable for turtles unless they have significantly greater width and length than height.
The descriptions of acrylic aquariums are very similar to glass aquariums as they come in similar sizes and use the same accessories. Acrylic is a lighter and a slightly flexible material but is easier to scratch compared to glass. Acrylic materials are popular for custom-made tanks and basking areas.
Plastic Storage Containers
A very economical and popular type of enclosure is the Rubbermaid and Sterlite storage containers. There is a wide range of shapes and sizes that are readily available at prices very low prices compared to an aquarium, however many new keepers are not initially interested based on their appearance. These containers are very lightweight and durable but are not designed to hold water. Make sure the water level is carefully monitored and that the container is inspected for cracks and bowing. Without providing additional support, they should not be completely filled with water. Support to prevent bowing can be in the form of wooden or PVC braces, though these will not prevent any potential cracking and leakage. A power filter can also be used in this kind of setup and since they hang to the side of a tank but they would need to have their bottom supported. Another nice aspect about these types of containers is that they are either translucent or solid in color. This is particularly beneficial with new and young turtles as it provides a bit of privacy and fewer outside distractions. Avoid using brightly colored containers and look for dark-colored ones. You may cover the sides of a translucent container. Clamp-style lighting fixtures also work well in this setting.
Stock Tanks (Plastic)
A highly durable indoor or outdoor enclosure to use is a plastic stock tank. These tanks are moderately inexpensive and can be bought at farm and tractor supply stores. They have been designed with the primary function of holding water. They are solid black or grey, and thus, do not offer “underwater viewing” but will outlast any other type of enclosure.
Concentrating on indoor usage, these enclosures offer similar options available to aquariums and are still able to use most standard filters and heaters. Like with storage containers, clamp-style lighting fixtures should fit as well. These can also be used outdoors and some models can be fitted with a drain for easier cleaning.
Custom and Preformed Ponds
A fairly durable and highly customizable type of enclosure is a custom and a preformed pond. Although these enclosures are inexpensive, they will require more creativity and effort to build a correct environment. Since preformed ponds are intended to be outdoors and at ground level, they will need additional and appropriate support for indoor usage.
A custom indoor enclosure built with pond liner will prove an even greater challenge since you will have to establish the shape and support form. The surrounding area can accommodate a variety of materials as well as a basking area and a nesting area. This is no doubt a labor-intensive process, but the result will be a very unique habitat.
Miscellaneous Enclosures
Any enclosure that is designed to hold a large volume of water has the potential to become part of a RES habitat. For instance, children’s pools are often used to temporarily keep RES outdoors. Any enclosure you choose should be in good condition, clean, well supported and have the appropriate basking, cover, heating, filtration and lighting requirements.
Canopies, Covers, Hoods and Screens
Manufactured hoods and aquarium covers are not a necessary piece of equipment but may complement a standard aquarium and stand. A traditional hood will provide standard lighting fixtures though they will not be able to offer you an option to use a heat lamp. They will be able to retain more heat and reduce drafts. There are also a variety of tank covers that do not completely occupy the top the tank. This would make the addition of a heat lamp possible and can offer you quicker access to the inside of the tank. When used with a UVB bulb, any protective glass or plastic partition should be removed because they will block passing UVB rays. Unobstructed UVB rays should be directed towards the basking area so it would be able to provide maximum benefit for your turtle.
A preferred tank cover is a screen top. They are available commercially and can also be homemade. The necessary concerns are, as with any other type of hood, that it is securely in place and that it will prevent a turtle from escaping or another pet from going in. Screens with tight grids will obstruct some of UVB rays and it should have at least a 1/2″ space between the grids. A grid of 1/4” could obstruct as much as 30% of passing UVB rays. These will not prevent drafts from reaching inside the tank or keep heat from escaping, though placing the tank in an appropriate area of your home will eliminate those concerns. The screen should be metal and not plastic or have any sort of vinyl coating if there is lighting equipment resting on it. Hardware cloth and chicken wire are examples of good materials to use.
It is absolutely necessary to make sure your RES cannot climb out or get stuck on anything while trying. They are exceptional climbers, regardless if they have not exhibited any past behavior or interest in climbing or escaping. More than often, they will receive an additional boost climbing on a tank mate’s back. Obviously, a fall can cause a serious injury here and safety should always be a top priority. They may also knock over lighting fixtures while attempting to climb out.
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
well hun if you are keeping him in proper living conditions then everything should be fine. He should have 10 gallons of water for each inch of carapace and a have a good basking area. His water should be about 78 degrees and the basking area should be about 85. I think you should keep him and just provide him with good living conditions. I wouldn’t worry about your friend. I also don’t think it is a good thing to let domesticated animals go in the wild just because they have been taken care of by a human their entire lives and even though they are born with the natural instincts to take care of themselves they get used to being taken care of. Here are some sites that will tell you what an RES needs to be happy and healthy. Maybe if you show your friend that you are taking good care of him he will let up with the animal rights crap.
http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/reptilesturtles/a/reslidercare.htm
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/res.html
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
it cannot survive wild so its better off being kept.
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment
Hi! My advice keep the turtle and get rid of the friend. I have met many people who believe domesticated animals should not be caged and released into the wild. These people don’t care what happens to the animal in the wild it just should not be in a cage. They don’t care if it dies a horrible death in the wild, due to disease, predators or starvation, they just want it free. My question to you is this. Do you care for your pet? Do you feed, water and clean its cage? Would you be upset if the turtle dies? If you answer yes to these questions, keep the turtle. If you don’t care about your pet then take it to the animal shelter. They will either find it a new home or put it down humanely.
As for your friend, its okay to have different opinions and beliefs. But each of you needs to respect the other opinions and beliefs. Discussing these things is okay too. But its not okay for people to force you to accept their beliefs. If this persons can’t accept you for who you are and what you believe in, then going your separate ways is the best for both of you. Good Luck
http://www.intergalacticmedicineshow.com/cgi-bin/mag.cgi?do=columns&vol=shade_dan&article=016
Report this comment