Other Turtle Discussion :: Terrapin problem

[kaimarion]

Well my friend is having problems copping with his RES and he offered me it but the aquarium he has is too small and the (male) RES has not been handeled often so could prove a problem because I don't quite know how to get the RES to calm down and stop trying to bite who ever is holding it.

I would like too take the RES in but space is a problem as I have no idea how big a aquarium (in inches) a 7 long RES would need.

Thank you for any help:).

[SpotsMama]

You are very kind to be concerned about this turtle. Sounds like he's not in a very good place.

A 7" RES does require a lot of space. The rule of thumb is 10 gallons of tank for every inch of turtle, so a 7" turtle needs at 70 gallon tank. If the tank is much smaller, the turtle will feel cramped and it will be difficult to impossible to keep it clean, resulting in sanitation problems.

RES are complex creatures and each has his/her own individual personality. Some are more "bitey" than others. Some are shy. They are also sensitive to their environment. If they are mistreated or in an uncomfortable environment, they will get grumpy and bitey. If they are in a clean, adequately sized environment and are always treated gently and have enough human contact to get to know their keeper, they can (again, somewhat depending on individual personality) get positively friendly. Turtles with very good relationships with their keepers will come to their keepers sort of like dogs.

For some people, RES are wonderful pets because they are so interesting and interactive. They can live 40 years (or more?) in captivity so become lifelong friends. But they are not easy. As you've already figured, they are pretty high maintenance, require a lot of space and a pretty expensive setup. Turtle keeping is what you'd describe as a hobby if it's done right. RESs are not for everybody. Apparently they are not for your friend.

Why don't you read up on this site - both the information sections and various threads on the forum - and see how you really feel about it. If you decide that this is what you want to do, then go for it!

[kaimarion]

When I get the money for the equipment,aquarium and books I will go for a 100 gallon to be on the safe side because it will give lots of space so I will not need replacing for a long time.I will try find a good safe spot in the house where I can put the aquqrium.
On a side note the RES is 10 years old according to my friend will it still form a keeper/pet friendship and stop snapping so much it hiss's some times but not often.

Thanks spots mama for the help.

[megcornell]

Some turtles are a bit more "wild" than others and don't really appreciate being handled much by humans. So your friend's turtle may just be a bit antisocial. You're wise to get the largest tank you can so it will fit the turtle long term. If you don't have the money for a pricey glass tank now one alternative is a stock tank or a rubbermaid bin. You could buy the proper size heater and filters etc, and just transfer those to the new tank whenever you can get it, that way the turtle can have a big home sooner. If it is a male you can get away with a smaller tank, especially if it's living solo. I'd say a 75 gallon would be fine. If you're handy you can build an above tank basking area to maximize the swimming space. As spotsmama said, read the main site it gives a lot of good pointers, and ask lots of questions-- it's better to know what you need before you buy it than to realize you've bought something inadequate.

It's very nice of you to help the turtle out, good luck!

[kaimarion]

Well I went out and got a book on RES today it said the average size was 5 to 8 inches long and the largest measured 11 I was just wondering if the information was correct because I think I read something saying they can get upto 12 long?

I also seen a large aquarium today for £120 (100 Gallon) I think,so now I have a aquarium in sight and now have to find the rest of the equipment .

[SpotsMama]

How exciting that you're going to take the turtle! Sounds like you will care for him and give him a good home.

The males typically range from 7" to 9" long and the females from 9" to 12", so I'd say the book is understating their typical size.

I hope you'll keep in touch. It will be fun to hear how your new setup evolves.

[marisa]

Different books will give different average measurements for turtles, and some books are less accurate than others. Adult female RES can be 12 inches long, a few have been measured as being a little longer. Adult males are smaller and can grow 6-9 inches generally.

[kaimarion]

How many gallons would a
leghth 34
height 18
width 18
Tank hold?

[sikobarabasi]

Hello,

I am new here and don't really know what to ask where. I have 2 turtles, Marcina, female 6'' and Feri, male 4,8''. My female is 8 years old, but was held in very pour conditions (when I first saw her the temperature of the water was under 10*C) and I think it affected her growth. I have her since 1 year and she is eating only living food so she is growing nicely. Will she recover? I saw females in her age and they were much bigger! I don't know about the male, I have him because somebody wanted to get rid of him. I read that they are not solitary creatures so i took him too. They have now a 400 Liter tank, but filled only half, because I don't know if the glass will resist the pressure (I made it 2 weeks ago and am still testing it). I had all kinds of animals, 3 bear cubs, tarantulas and snakes, dears (don't worry I did not capture them we just helped)... but no turtles. So help is needed. Now they are on my balcony so it is really worm and in winter they will move inside. What do I do that they do not mate? I don't want to have egg problems especially because I don't have space...

Thanks,

AlparS.

[kaimarion]

Well this is in the wrong thread you should open up one in the health care part.

Sorry but I dont really know what will happen but I Think she will recover.

Can someone give me a link to see what a STOCK TANK is.
thanx

[SpotsMama]

Hi sikobarabasi,

Kaimarioun is correct - why don't you open a new topic in the General Care section for all your issues. You have quite a few questions and you'll get more answers if you have a thread of your own in the General Care section.

Sounds like you have a regular zoo! I'd love it if you'd also start a topic in the Introduce Yourself section and tell us how you got all those creatures!

[marisa]

kaimarion, just do a web search with stock tank as the key word. There are a number of different kinds. The ones made by Rubbermaid are probably the easiest to find and therefore one of the more popular ones.

[kaimarion]

Well I found it, it's not really to my liking...
Thanx.

Well I'am going out tommorow to have a look about the local pet shop to see the equipment I can get and compare prices, I will be checking out 10 pet shop in total so hopefuly I will get some good prices.

There is a pet shop just a 10 minute walk away from where I live but they don't do anything for reptiles and its very small

I will take in my friends RES but I need to get experience with a young impresionable one fist.