It's risky because you're trying to do something natural in an unnatural setting. Other keepers have lost their turtles during hibernation. It's risky to do in captivity. It works out well if you have a pond in a place that doesn't get TOO cold. You just let nature do its magic. Bringing them inside...

It's his penis.

I've never heard of someone hibernating their turtles indoor. Might be a little risky.

No she doesn't burrow into it.

Picture of the cage: http://i.imgur.com/x9u7RsN.jpg

I have been hibernating my adult female RES for at least 7 years now. I live in Los Angeles. It gets a little colder in Chico, which might be a problem. Our pond is preformed and is in the ground. The ground helps keep the water at a moderate temperature. A metal trough is going to be absorbing a lo...

Only feeding him shrimp will disfigure him.

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5

Still can't quite tell species. It's most likely a YBS. Very nice shell!

I think what they are is very important. If you call a vet saying you have a sick amphibian, they'll tell you sorry and good luck. If you tell someone you have a sick reptile, they may be able to assist you. Anyways, I suggest waiting a bit before getting another turtle. Babies are such a different ...

Fish become food.

Mbuana Cichlids like really hard water. Most turtles won't like it.

Female maps get about the size of RES and would outgrow this tank.

If you bought a male (just 1!) it would be fine. The tank would be a good size for musk turtles though.

Not to be snarky, but if you think turtles and tortoises are amphibians, you're not ready for another one.

Do you have more pictures? It kind of looks like a Cumberland Slider more than a YBS. Also, the spreading of the scutes is the first sign of overfeeding, which leads to pyramiding. What are you feeding it? How much? How often? At this size, all the need is a few pellets a day. They'll keep begging f...

Yea that's a Nicaraguan Slider, not a Belize Slider. They need a heat lamp and UVB light everyday or they will die. Water needs to be kept warm as they are tropical. Around 75. Stop feeding mealworms, switch to turtle sticks. They get a lot bigger than Belize Sliders. Use this (as they have the same...

The2ladybug, are you sure yours is a Belize Slider, not a Red Eared Slider? And the colors usually dull with age.

What part of Cali?

Looks good! Def. a male RES.