Habitat - Outdoor :: Found a RES in my back yard.

[Mrs Nobody]

In June I found a RES in my strawberry patch. I took pictures of her and then went into the house to get a box. When I came back with a box it was gone. Now it is April and my son found him. We asked the neighbors who she belongs to and no one has clamed her.
It rains alot here and we have no pools of water around. Now that we have what shoud we do. She hasn't been in the water for who knows how long.

[marisa]

Welcome to the forum. The same turtle? How big is the turtle? Where are you located (is the turtle native to where you are)? No brooks/rivers nearby? Does the turtle appear tame?

Are you asking if you should keep the turtle? You could contact a wildlife rehabilitator or a turtle rescue organization if you can't/don't want to care for the turtle. In the meantime, I'd get something like a Rubbermaid storage container and let the poor thing get hydrated. Some food would be good, too.

[Mrs Nobody]

Thanks for your reply.
She is about 6 in. I live outside of Portland, OR.
Should we put him in the rubbermaid container and keep him out doore or indoors? On Monday we will contact my sons teacher. He has RES in his classroom. We are hoping he will take him if not, Should we just let him go in the yard again or should we find him a good home.

[marisa]

Don't let him go in the yard. RES are not native to where you are. He sounds like he was a pet that someone stupidly let go. If your son's teacher can't or won't take him, try to find him a good home. Ask your son's teacher to help or if s/he knows of any contacts.

What's the temp where you are? If it's cool, I'd keep him inside. If possible, I'd try to give him some sort of set-up, with a basking area and lights. Good luck.

[SpotsMama]

Good luck. You are very kind to be looking out for that turtle.

[Mrs Nobody]

After talking to neighbors and making a phone call we found the RES owners. They moved out of the area a few months ago. They said that they lost the RES about 2 years ago.
This web site has been great and packed full of info. I was clueless about Turtles until I found this site. Thanks for all the help. Who knew I would be spending my weekend taking care of and learning about RES. It has been a good experince for the whole family.

[octpusgirl8]

Wow two years! That's a lucky turtle! Did the old owners get her back?

[Mrs Nobody]

Yes the owners got her back. They told me that they have a pond in their back yard for her. I told them that she needed to be taken to the vet because her eyes didn't look healthy. Lets hope they take better care of her this time around.

[DavidY]

You deserve the Turtle Rescue Good Samaritan Award!

[Ferd]

Good job. you did the right thing by holding on. If i had ever seen a turtle outside, i would have just left it there. untill i got my 2, i didnt know that they were used as pets!

[octpusgirl8]

Aww i'm so glad she was reunited with her family!