Habitat - Outdoor :: outside living

[heyjude]

Hi
I am thinking about getting some baby redear sliders. I have a small, protected, lily-pond.
Has anyone kept their sliders outdoors? Any suggestions?
Jude


[edit from steve - topic moved]

[steve]

How big is this pond and where is it located (does it have sun/shade)? Also, you may not want to keep baby RES in there since they require more initial care.

[heyjude]

The pond gets filtered sun and a lot of shade. It is in an enclosed patio area with a lot of vegetation surrounding it, but no access to escape. Although I guess I could lose them in the vegetation.

[reptilegrrl]

No access to escape? Turtles can dig out under fences, and they can climb trees and textured fences. You might not think they can escape, but unless an area has been made specifically turtle-secure, they can probably get out.

Another danger with keeping small RESs outside is predation. Raccoons and large birds of prey love to eat small turtles. I would keep them indoors until they are larger.

Good luck!

[heyjude]

I ended up with these 4 little redears because someone moved and the person they were left with couldn't keep them and was desperate. I have just had them a day and am heading to the pet store this morning to get an aquarium and water temp gauge and filer, etc. As with everything, they are more complicated than I imagined. I am not ready (they are not ready, the pond is not ready) to be put into my little pond but I have been talking with the Fish Doctor about what I would need (filtration they cannot get stuck in, water level so they cannot get out, areas for them to climb up on. It is a cement lilly pond, close to the house in an enclosed patio. Barking dogs (neighbors, fenced adjacent) keep all critters away. I didn't know they could climb trees. I have had a boa in the past (many years ago) and had him for about 7 years. I've always loved turtles and frogs and thought the pond would make a good home.
I need to get up to speed fast on these little darlings. Any help is appreciated.

[reptilegrrl]

it sounds like you are fixing things up! This site has a ton of good info, so I suggest reading through the articles on the main site. They will tell you most of what you need to know.

[heyjude]

Well, being helfful is expensive. I bought a 20 gallon long tank... and a little heater and a thermometer and a floating device and, and, and...
so much for my idea of the pond (for now). But at least I am not coming home panicked at the idea that they might be dead because the water is too hot/too cold/too acidic, too something....
i will do more reading...thanks for your help and advice.
they are adorable and i can even tell them apart as their coloring and shell patterns ares slightly different . My 9 year old granddaughter finds them "very fascinating" and she is going to be in charge of changing filters, checking water PH (under my supervision of course). She is one of those responsible kids who takes her obligations seriously. Right now she has to feed the dogs morning and evening (mini schnauzer, standard schnauzer and chihuahua/russell mix (next time I will get dogs that are easier to spell)>
Judith

[steve]

Sounds great... keep us updated. 4 are going to be a real handful and we'd love to see more pics (pond pics are a bit rare here)

[Old Yeller Tang]

I also, was left with two RES that my niece no longer wanted to care for and just because I have a pond, I was given the honor of caring for these guys. They are about 7-8" long and I was wondering if they'd be safe in the outdoors? Plus, it gets pretty cold at night and I don't want to think of the cost of heating a 1000g pond up for just two turtles. Would they still be able to survive in the winter months outdoors? Also, I have children and I've been reading up on turtles that they carry salmonella. How much at risk are my 3 & 6 year old? TIA

[ellman605]

i still think people should consider pool heaters...