Other Turtle Discussion :: A New Home for Paquita

[Teacher]

I just read the post from Sonja about not letting my RES hibernate in the garage over the winter here in VA. I had thought this was an option because the first winter that we had her she was out there and slept and didn't eat all through the cold months. Then we brought her in, and even now, when the temperature gets cold, and her water is cooler, she sleeps more and eats less. She seems healthy and eats a lot during the summer.

Anyway, if I can't put her in a larger tank in the garage without a lot of heaters and lights, I may have to find a new home for her with someone who can provide an ideal environment and possibly a male companion.

The problem is I don't want to give or sell her to a petstore where I would never know where she wound up. I know your website rules do not allow selling or giving away of turtles. However, can you give me a link of a website that I can find where I will know that a real turtle lover who can provide for Paquita will get her, and who I can keep in contact with to see how she is doing? I hate to give her up, as I have become attached to her, but I cannot provide the size tank that is required. She is now 7 inches long, and in a 20 gallon tank. Thanks Teacher

[sonyj]

I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping you'd be able to provide her the needing requirements even if she was in the garage.

Search for something like a rescue shelter or re-homing organization for turtles or herps in your area. Other than that you can post an ad in the paper looking for experienced adoptive parents for her. That way you can personally screen the new owners with questions to see if they'd be able to adequately care for her.

I'm sorry that you've had to make this decision. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help.

[steve]

Considering there are inexpensive options for a proper setup, I'm not sure why you can't keep her. For most people, its an issue of space and if you have room for a tank that is approximately the size of a bath tub, then you should keep her.

[Teacher]

About giving up Paquita, the problem is more than the space. I didn't know that she was a female and that she would lay eggs without a male. In fact, she laid at least one, maybe two, yesterday in her tank of water. I keep taking her outside where dirt and sandy soil is available, but she doesn't lay eggs out there. I only stay out about an hour at a time because she requires constant supervision. I don't know if she has more eggs, but she is eating really well, and seems content in her tank now. Is it possible that she only had one or two eggs? Excuse my lack of knowledge but mostly everything I know I've learned from you guys at this website.
I cannot make the facilities in the garage for a nesting area for future egg laying. This has become a major concern. I still haven't completely decided to give her away, but at this point, I don't know what I am going to do. Steve says the equipment needed is inexpensive, but I think a large tank, basking lights and heaters to heat that large of a tank, and all the other things needed for a tank that size will become an expensive undertaking. I had no idea that this little turtle that I rescued would become this much of a problem. I will try to find out exactly what I will need and may decide to keep her. Thanks for all your advice and encouragement.

[missibsu]

I know that you mentioned that space is more the issue, but you can check sites such as freecycle.org and craigslist.com for some great deals on used items such as aquariums.

Good luck, it is a tough choice. Unfortunately, a lot of people have no clue what they are getting into. Whatever you decide, make sure it is responsible.

[sonyj]

They usually lay a clutch of eggs at a time, which I believe to consist of a few to several eggs. It may take a couple to a few hours for her to find a good spot outside (they are very picky). Be sure she is able to have the chance to lay all her eggs or she may become egg bound.

[steve]

My turtle liked firm soil when she laid her eggs. It was also a day after a rainstorm, so the soil was slightly moist. If she's not ready to nest, so won't instinctively want to just because she's outside. The last time my turtle laid eggs, it was only 2. Her previous nest, which was also her first, had 4 eggs. They can be very picky about where to nest, so you might just need some time.

I didn't say equipment was inexpensive, but there are always options to make it much more affordable. It would require more time, effort and a bit of creativity but it's definitely possible. Sometimes a store-bought product is better but not always. A tank could be anything that could safely hold water, you can use the sun for UVA and UVB instead of buying a special bulb and you can build your own filter instead of buying an aquarium filter.

Nearly all of us were overwhelmed when we found out what we should do and some found it hard to believe and were skeptical - including myself. Since you are willing to spend time with your turtle, I think you can do it and then you'll discover how rewarding they are.