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Our friends asked us if we wanted their daugters RES(Jorge), he's 8yrs. I have an Outddoor 200+ gallon pond\waterfall. If properly introduced to the new surroundings, can I expect him to survive, predators notwithstanding, in an unheated pond.
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Welcome. Do you mean year round ? What's the temp range where you are?

Is the pond safe from predators? Can the turtle escape?

Yes, year round was the general Idea. And it would be a relatively wild environment, although it is in my backyard. Escape may be a problem as well, although I could lower the water level of the pond to prevent escape (I think..., I read that they can climb trees????). Temperatures were I am: Winter: 32 - 50+F nights, 50 - 80+F days; Spring, Summer, Fall: 50+F nights, 60 - 100+F Days. I have also read a breed survives along the Mississippi Rivr in Iowa. How do I insert a photo??

They can't climb trees, but they are excellent and determined climbers. Lower water levels won't be effective, you need more of a fence/wall around this pond. They are excellent diggers as well, so a fence would need to be at least a foot underground. They are susceptible to flying and furry predators (large birds, cats, dogs, raccoons...), so you may need some sort of fence above the pond as well.

You'd also need shade, water heaters (water should be in the mid-70's) and some sort of filtration.

They are native to the Mississippi river, not sure about Iowa.

how to post a pic...
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