Other Turtle Discussion :: I Don't Know What to Do Anymore

[charles24]

I've had two res for about three years now. i fell into the trap and made the horrible mistake of wanting baby res before doing much research and before finding out it was pretty much illegal to sell them. Needless to say i was stupid and made a mistake. So far i've been able to handle Bruce and Betsy and i love them, its just i that i can't take care of them anymore. I'm young, so of course my mother has a lot to say in my life, and she wants the turtles out. To stress this she won't let me make any adjustments to their tank or way of life. I know the tank they are in is too small, and i know they dont have enough water, and i know they need more rocks, i know that they are terribly bored, and i know that they can't live like this. but she wont let me change it. this type of life is horrible. i feel so bad. honestly, its been haunting me.

So realizing this, i've been trying to find someone to take them in, but no one seems to want them and im out of ideas. my local turtle rescue wont even take them because they are completely filled with turtles. Every local pond nearby that i know of has a million res. I know im not supposed to set them free, but i dont know what to do anymore. my biggest concern is that they wont know how to find food, that they will not be very smart when it comes to other wildlife, that they will freeze in the winter, and all the environmental concerns. i dont want to set them free at all, but i feel they would have a better chance.

does anyone know of a different solution?

[jenaero]

I don't know how old you are, but can you get a part time job to support them? Does your mom have say in how you spend your own money?

I wish I could be of more help. You may have better luck (with offers for a home) if you post your location.

Good luck.

[ESG4Life]

man im really sorry about you turts... if i was by you i would take them....

[megcornell]

Charles, the worst thing you can do is release them into the wild. Not only is there a good chance they'll die, but it's also likely that your turtles can devastate natural reptile populations by carrying diseases or out competing for food.

I think if I were in your position, the first thing I'd do is try to set up a dialogue with your parents about why they want you to get rid of the turtles so badly. Maybe you can work out an arrangement or relieve some of their worries or fears about the turtles?

Keep hounding the local rescues for help, even if they can't directly help maybe they know of a local person who fosters reptiles when the rescue places get full and can recommend you to one of them.

[charles24]

i do have a part time job. my mother will not allow me to get a larger tank because "it looks ugly" nor will she allow me to put an extension on the old tank for the same reasons. whenever i bring up the situation and how bad i feel she tells me to just set them free, even though i have already explained to her what that means. shes even got my other family members constantly telling me to set them free.

i will continue to check local rescues, i hope they empty a few.
i live in the middle part of long island, for anyone who is interested in two more turtles. they are wonderful, i promise.

[jenaero]

If you are unable to talk some sense into your parents, you might try posting an ad on craigslist or kijiji. I'd advise asking for an adoption fee or something of that nature. I find that when you offer an animal 'free to a good home' there's a higher chance that they won't be completely honest with you about their intentions and are probably not that serious about proper care. Also, if someone is unwilling or unable to pay for them, they probably can't afford their care, or just wont bother with upgrades and proper habitat.

I really wish I could help. Good luck.

You could also try posting on the adoption page at www.turtleforum.com
There are a lot of knowlegable people there that really do care about their pets.

[TheComputerGremlin]

You can try to write a small essay with research on why turtles shouldn't be released. As well, depending on the state you are in, it may be illegal. (Did you ever mention what state you were in?) So if you happen to be located in one of those states, you can tell your mother that if you release them, SHE will go to jail.

You can also have your mom come on here and read up on information. After all, as long as you are less than 18 years old, she is responsible for your actions.

And on that same note, did you acquire these turtles without her permission, or was she there when you got them? She can't advocate getting rid of them if she allowed them in the first place.

[untsmurf]

I recommend telling your mom about our site here. She doesn't seem to be very knowledgeable about turtles. Maybe some education on her part can help your situation. The turtles might be your pet but she's your mother and, overall, they are her responsibility.

[pickerbp22]

im in long island! ill give them a good home! email me pickerbp22@aol.com

[MissMandy]

Where are you located? Dont release them in the wild! You can try to find someone to adopt or maybe even the humane society will take them. Good luck and I hope you find a great home!