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Here are some pictures the turtle pond at my university and my turtlets at home. They ate my pleco fish a few weeks ago though.

Is that pond intended for turtles or have they adapted to that area? Would they let you approach them?

I like your setup... it doesn't look like the pleco had a chance. Do you have a UVB light?

I love the pictures! Where is this university? We will be visiting southern California for Mother's Day and I would love to see this. I am interested also if they let you approach them or fly away if they see you. Did you get your babies from the wild or ? Do you have any photos of them swimming in the pond? Thanks for sharing.

The pond actually has turtles, coy, and ducks altogether. I'm not too sure of the history of the pond. It is likely both intended for turtles and that they adapted to the pond and surroundings. I think there's an undergound filtration that does only minimal cleaning but it's mainly overall to look as "natural" as possible. I know students usually are the ones just feeding bread, crackers, etc.

The university just makes sure there is no heavy debris near by. The turtles are surprisingly approachable. Students can stand literally a foot away from them and they would not budge. Unfortunately, I do not have a UVB light and mainly take the turtlets out for natural sunlight.

Oh, that looks like turtle heaven! I always hear that turtles are "loners" and I have been advised not to have more than one turtle because of aggressiveness, but I always see them in a natural environment here in Florida basking together very closely, even when there is a large area for them. They look so sociable. I'm thinking that being in a tank is so much smaller, that that would cause aggression. (?)

that is turtle heaven

Unless you can provide a pond like that, then I wouldn't get more than one. I wish I had known that upfront. I wouldn't trade mine for the world, but they are going to be a handful when they get bigger.

gammeragirl wrote: I'm thinking that being in a tank is so much smaller, that that would cause aggression. (?)

Right.

gammeragirl wrote:Oh, that looks like turtle heaven! I always hear that turtles are "loners" and I have been advised not to have more than one turtle because of aggressiveness, but I always see them in a natural environment here in Florida basking together very closely, even when there is a large area for them. They look so sociable. I'm thinking that being in a tank is so much smaller, that that would cause aggression. (?)

Good basking areas are limited which is why they bask together and sometimes stack on top of each other, even in ponds. When confined to aquarium, they are forced to compete for everything. It would lead to aggression, harassment and potentially injuries.

Check out the algae on some of those turtles! Makes me want to get soft brush and cloth and go to work (half joking here ). Do people frequently feed them? If so, it would tend to make them more approachable.

Cute turtles you have there, justify_yourlove. Nice markings on the plastrons.