General Care Discussion :: Boys brought home a RES.

[bayouboy]

My two sons brought home a RES caught in the wild that is 10 inches from front of shell to the back. I would say that the turtle is a very mature adult. My questions are:

1. Any way to age this turtle.

2. My sons (with my help) are committed to build him/her a habitat, but my feeling is one this old probably should be left in the wild and not domesticated?

3. Anyone have experiences with older turtles being domesticated?

4. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!!

Thanks

[Bumby's Mom]

It needs to be taken back where it was found and left alone. If they want a turtle that bad YOU need ton research how to properly care for it. Also they can't build it a habitat unless they know how to cut glass/plexiglass or install an outdoor pond. Buy one from a store or a breeder after you know how to care for it.

[megcornell]

I agree with bumby. Wild RES don't make good pets, especially one who has likely lived and thrived in the wild for 10-20 years. She's definitely full grown and fully capable of taking care of herself. The right thing to do would be to release her.

Now that your sons are interested in turtles, why not research them as a family and see if the space and money commitment is something you're interested in for the long-run (turtles in captivity live 20+ years)? If so, there are tons of captive turtles out there who need loving homes and would love the care your family could provide.

[marisa]

You need to bring the turtle back to where she was found and release her. You do her no favors by trying to domesticate her at this stage in the game (and turtles do not become domesticated like dogs and cats). She is indeed mature and was likely looking for a place to dig a nest and lay eggs.

Do her a favor and give her her freedom.

[1981camaroz28]

Same here bring it back way to old it might die even in the best conditions. If they want one that day adopt a baby that was not in the wild you will have much better luck. Turtles are very easy to care for just get the largest tank you can no less than 55gal and best filter. Read up on feeding or talk with the person at the pet store about good food. I let mine walk around the house about 5 hours a day maybe more I think leaving them in the tank all day is bad think if it were you. Good Luck

[Sgt. Pepper]

Camaro: You shouldn't really trust pet store employees. Most of them have no idea what they're talking about. It's also not the best idea to have your turtle out of it's tank for extended periods, especially if it's small. Turtles like being in their tanks. They don't need a lot of human interaction like dogs.

[Dein211]

agreed. turtles born in the wild= stay in the while unless your rehabilitating it with intentions of returning it. there are tons upon tons of homeless captive bred turtles, but make sure its what you want. too many poor turtles fall into the hands of people who have no idea or really even care how to take care of them.