Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 12:55 pm Re: Overall help
I'm heading back to Ontario I own a home there also.
I have been in contact directly with the Hamilton, Ontario office spoke with Dr. Baha who investigated for me and told me simply fill out the permit form, pay the $35 and either fax in or submit online OR mail in. I mentioned the 30 day wait and Dr. Baha stated that's incorrect just ensure that the turtle has been in MY care for 45 to 60 days and hasn't been "outside" and once permit in hand it's valid for 3 months. Since Link is not listed on the endangered list it's not as strict to bring her in AND that I'm not using her to breed AND that she will be in my continuous care there should be no problem.
Dr. Baha stated that it might take 2 to 3 days to get the permit but could be quicker if the main office isn't too busy issuing permits - that's why they state on the form 30 days (just in case there are a lot of people importing reptiles).
I do have to say I think Link is much happier living with me that who she was with before me - since what she was kept in was sub-standard, there was only about 2 inches of water if that much and it was filthy AND had no warming lights for her and she barely moved (I'm guessing because she was freezing) - and she was kept like this for a long, long time. When she first came into my care I knew nothing at all about turtles (I had one when I was like 4 years old kept in a plastic thing with a fake palm tree, can't recall what happened to it) - now thanks to this site I have great information and amazing mentors.
Link is not in her 40 gallon tank yet, I hesitate to set it all up when I'm moving in less than 2 weeks but she is in a 20 gallon tank, with a filter (not the best but the better one is coming), she has a basking spot and a nice warm lamp and she has become my little clown. She is re-learning how to swim, she watches my every move (tank near where I sit on the couch), she basks for hours and looks like a little diva while doing it. Soon she'll have a new home and the 40 gallon will be set up (while I save for the 120 gallon) and will have a proper filter. She'll have 4 furry friends (won't be able to reach her) and I'm told a beautiful stand for the tank to rest on.
I do have yet another question (sorry for all the questions). In the summer when it's warm out, is Link able to walk around the grass in the yard (without dogs of course) or since she is aquatic would it be best not to? Can I set up an outside tank that is in part sun and part shade for her so when I'm out in the garden or whatever she can be outside for a few hours? Or is it best to just keep her in her main tank inside period.??