General Care Discussion :: ...outdoors?

[IshMaster]

I was reading over the new information on the main page, it has been awhile since my last visit, and I saw that it was recommended to give the turtle's physical activity out-of-water and to do so outside.

I remember I asked a question similar to this a long time ago and I received nothing but negatives to bringing a turtle outside. Is there a different thinking now? I would love to take my turtle out, she really trusts me now, and I think it would be a interesting experience, but I do not want anything to happen to her.

[marisa]

What's the outside temp where you are now? It's the dead of winter here now, but in the spring, summer and autumn, when the weather's warm enough, I have always periodically taken my turts outside for unfiltered sunlight. They don't really need out-of-the-tank exercise, (indoor or outdoor), if the tank is big enough, but I have let them walk around just to give them something to do. If you did something similar, and kept an eye on your turtle (they can "disappear" very quickly), I can't see why that would be a problem. I would, however, keep her off of abrasive surfaces.

[BullDog]

That's a really good question.
Every year I try taking Ralph out, but after hiding in his shell for 5 or more minutes, he makes a b-line for the nearest bush. I think he much prefers his tank.
But Frankie, she's way more mellow, so maybe I'll try taking her outside when the weather warms up...

[IshMaster]

Yeah I definitely did not mean now. It is like 30 today but it should be like 70 by Friday, although I still wouldn't take her out. Memphis weather is crazy.

[megcornell]

Taking a turtle out of the tank really depends on their disposition. If the turtle is bolder and enjoys exploring, then go for it. But if they are scared and stressed by the interaction then I wouldn't do it. I don't personally let my turtles out of their tanks because I don't see any added benefit to their lives, neither enjoys it.

I would wait until it's warmer than 70 to take your turtle out, that's still a little chilly.

[Apollo&Scampi]

I know if I took mine outside, they would book it!

[LOBO]

yeah my future turt (i really need to come up with a name so i can stop saying "my friends turtle that will soon be mine in a few weeks when then tanks ready.." ) but she is crazy, shes as ferocious as i think a tank turtle could get and i know if i took her outside she'd be gone. i wouldnt be surprised if she tryed to attack some dogs. :p

she escaped from her tank today, my friend found her in the bathroom at the other end of the apartment.

[SpotsMama]

My turtle seems to really enjoy going outside in the sun when the weather's nice. I wouldn't do it if it were cooler outside than the lower 70's. He's used to the low 70's temp in his tank and I wouldn't want him to feel chilly outside.

When it's nice, I take him outside almost every day. When he's out, I have to watch him every minute as he can move pretty fast and I don't want to lose him. I take care that there are no ants, fertilizers or pesticides where he is. Dogs and cats are not allowed in the vicinity. He needs to be able to get into the shade if he feels too hot in the sun.

[Bumby's Mom]

I take Nyxie out periodically and she seems to enjoy it. The one day she sat in the dirt and sort of stretched out like she was basking. I don't keep her out long in case she gets over heated or something. I would also never consider taking a baby turtle outside as they are so tiny and easily lost. I see yours is only 3 inches, I personally wouldn't take a turtle out that is that small.

[steve]

I only take them out if it is warmer than 70F (sunny and not windy). I've also found that my female RES prefers to be away from my male RES when outside as well.

[Steliosf]

Is there any chance to get an infection of any kind from outside???

I live in Greece and the weather here is not so harsh (in the summer the temp can go up to 40o Celcius that is like 102o Faranheit) BUT will they be safe from any infections? that holds me back a lot...

[SpotsMama]

I'm not sure what infections you're thinking of. Do dogs and cats and people and wild reptiles get infections outside? If not, then it's probably safe for turtles too.

Just watch out for ants, pesticides, fertilizer, sharp things like broken glass, chilly breezes, dogs, cats, hawks.....I guess that's quite a list! Don't leave him alone. Don't leave him in the hot sun with no shade. Don't keep him out of his tank too long so he gets dehydrated.

Do try to have a good time.