Other Turtle Discussion :: Hamster Ball?

[IshMaster]

Would it be safe to place Walnut in a hamster ball and let her run around while I clean her aquarium?

It is bright green so I can't really loose her. It is large enough for her, and large enough so that she can't get under anything.

The only thing I worry about is the lack of water and her little claws getting caught in the hair slits.

Thanks.

[jenaero]

I've heard of people doing that but I wouldn't. With hamsters, they can bend their spine to be able to run in the ball comfortably. A turt can't do that. I'd be worried about the ball bouncing into something and splitting open (then you've got a lost turt) or getting his claws caught. Either way, I'm sure it would be quite stressful for him.

[marisa]

I've hear of balls that you described being used in rehabilitating turtles, and I have a large one (the largest one that Lee--the brand name--sells for small animals. It's large enough so that my RES's spine isn't strained. I used to use it to put him in when I cleaned out his tank. He could move around and wouldn't be under foot. It was fine when he had a clear path and the ball could roll freely. He always would want to go somewhere where he'd wind up getting stuck. When he realized he couldn't move, he'd poop. Then the ball would be a real mess to clean. I haven't used it in a while, maybe I'll try it again when colder weather comes and I have to clean his tank.