Habitat - Outdoor :: When can they go outdoors in British Columbia?

[VancouverTurtles]

I have four RES hatchlings (2" shells) that I'd like to put outdoors when they are big enough. I have a large cement waterfall that has steep, smooth edges to prevent escape as well as to keep raccoons out. Here is a picture. (It still needs a basking platform in the middle)


During warm days I'd like to bring them outside to bask and swim but the bottom pond is a bit over 7' across and 5' deep so I can't release tiny RES in and expect to get them all out when it is time to come inside (right?). (excuse the mess of this picture - one pump has burnt out so it was removed and refilled without all the bottom rocks to hide the pumps, lights, etc)


There are two top ponds that are about 15" deep and 3' across (see the next 2 pics) but will the currant push the turtles them over? I know these ponds are not safe from escape and raccoons.


How do I know when they are big enough to live outdoors? Because of the strength of the moving water and that I live close to the ocean my waterfall always moves and never freezes. It will get a bit of ice around the edges and some icicles. I know people in my area who have RES that stay out year round but they came with their house when they purchased it so they do not know how young the RES were when they moved outside. As well a local pond has multiple RES that people have abandoned there that stay outside all year.

Thanks!

[steve]

Looks very good, but do you still want to bring them out during the winter?

[VancouverTurtles]

Sorry I wasn't more specific, eventually I think I would like them outdoors all year since it seems like the biggest/most natural home for them. If that is not the best home for them I will make their indoors one the best I can. So I guess I have two questions.

1 - How big/old do they have to be to live permanently outdoors in my pond/area?

2- While they are small and still living indoors when I bring them outside to hang out in the pond do you think it is safe for them? Anyone have experience with RES being in smaller ponds that flow into a waterfall like mine?

[Diamondbacks4Life]

1. I would wait till they are about 3-4inches. That is usually when people start hibernating turtles.

2. They will be fine in the current. They will learn probably very quickly not to go near the waterfall and it wont hurt them even if they do. At 2inches they have the strength to swim very good.

[sx2r]

im from bc aswell, i wouldnt keep them outside all year around...it gets really cold out.. i'd take them in for the winter and only let them out during the summer...