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I tried to get Pops outside for the summer. A local wildlife farm gave me permission to put him in their outdoor turtle pond. While visiting him recently, I noticed that his front flippers seemed injured. I immediately asked that he be taken out. As it turned out, there were two large female RESs in the pond and they apparently did not did not hit it off with Pops. The animal care person at the farm said she was not told that my RES was in the pond and would never have allowed it. She said Pops may never grow his claws back. So unfortunately, Pops is back home and indoors, but he seems to be doing fine. Don't trust the "experts", no one will care for your RES like you will.

That's so sad to hear! If you haven't already, you should clean the wounds and put neosporin on them while leaving him out of the water for a few hours. Make sure that the water he's staying in is very clean.

What's his setup like? Could you post a pic of his injuries and setup?

Sorry, no pics. He has a 45 gal. tank with a nice basking area. He is about 5". When I brought him home he basked for like 3 days non stop, I don't think he was basking at the farm. He is eating and active. His wounds seem like they are healing. He uses his front flippers to climb on his rock no problem.

I just wanted him to get some natural sunlight and fresh air!
Thans for the info.

What a shame! It sure sounded like a good idea.

Amen to your last comment, webs. I'm wondering about whoever gave you permission to put your RES in that pond and why to animal care person wasn't involved in the decision.

Does he have any portion of the injured claws left? If the nail bed wasn't injured, they'll likely grow back, but it will be slow.

Can you get him outside where you are?

Hope he gets better.

His claws look they might grow back. Those turtles have been out in that pond every summer for years without incident. (2 RESs and 3 Painted) Whoever told me I could keep him there just didn't know.

I can't really take him outside because I don't have an outdoor setup and if I let him roam around with me watching it just stresses him out. The only time he gets handled is for his weekly tank cleaning.

Hmmm...I wonder why he stresses out so easily?