General Care Discussion :: Transfer to Outdoor Pond

[JillyJo]

I live in the Southeastern part of PA and would like to know when a good time is to let my pair of sliders explore our outdoor pond?

[SpotsMama]

The key will be water temperature. Be sure and measure it before letting your guy get in. Spot's aquarium stays at 73 degrees. I'm waiting for the water in our pond to warm to at least 70 before letting him get in it and then I won't let him stay out too long. I think if his aquarium temp were warmer I'd wait until the pond water was warmer than 70 because I don't want to shock him with a big temperature change. So far, even though we've had some 90 degree days, the water in the pond is still in the low 60s so poor Spot is still waiting. When I put him outside on the ground sometimes he goes to the pond and tries to climb the walls. He's anxious to get in!

[steve]

How big is the pond and the turtles? Has it been made predator/escape proof?

[JillyJo]

the turtles are approximately 1.5 yrs. old and are approximately 4-5 inches across the shell. They have also been showing signs of mating. The pond is approximately 10' x 15' and 5'-6' at the deepest part. I wasn't sure about the temperature to let them out, because I've heard wild turtles come out of hibernation about this time. I did think well, these guys aren't wild turtles, so it may be different. I'm glad I asked. Is there anyway to make the pond escape proof? The pond is in a fenced yard close to our deck, so I hope I have the preditor proof already there.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Escape proof, you need to set up a wall that they can't climb over or dig under. Never underestimate the craftiness of a turtle, they can even, in rare circumstances, climb a chain link fence. If the ground is soft, they can dig into it. I'd look into photos of people's outdoor ponds to see what they do, but it can be a challenge. And remember that predators can come from the sky too (hawks, etc.).