Urgent Care :: just got a turtle to small for her age

[carrie11]

I have two RES females both 5 to 6 inches. I just got a turtle from a coworker that is 5 or 6 years old and measures 2 1/2 inches. She has been kept in a shoebox size plastic container with water (likely not treated) and rocks. My two girls are in their outside 200 gallon habitat pond for the warm season. It is filtered, water treated, temp fluxuates from 77 in the morning to 82 in the heat of the day. Three basking spots and i alternate water lilies as the eat them and they get cuddlebones, turtle food and dandelion leaves. The pond is half shaded. I have blocked of a thirty gallon section for the new tiny turtle where the big turles cant get to her. I know she has not lived outside before. QUESTIONS: Can I put this tiny turtle outside or should I keep her in an inside habitat? Will she now be able to grow to normal size? Her shell looks good but still has the baby turtle ridge on top. She doesnt seem to be able to fit completely in the shell. She seems okay but what will will good lighting, good water and nutrition do to her after so long in a small container?

[AlexisAwesome]

That's fine. Just don't overfeed her. She can get overweight.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

She should be fine outside, I keep any size turtles outside during the summer. Just bring her in for the winter if you keep the turtles outside all year around. Its not recommend they go through winter conditions till 4 inches. With your proper care she should start growing again even if she is older.

[carrie11]

Okay... Thank you Alexis and Diamondbacks4Life. I appreciate the help.