General Care Discussion :: A few questions..........

[ReneC]

My name is Rene and I have a 4 year old, female slider. I sort of inherited her from my niece who bought her for one dollar at a dollar store in China town in Phoenix. She was smaller than a quarter at the time. (Totally illegal) They also sold her a one dollar plastic critter keeper (3x5) and a one dollar bottle of pellets and told her to put an inch of water and a rock in for her to sit on. Dear Lord. She had her for an entire year in these conditions. It is amazing that she lived. At one point, my sister's cat knocked over the tank while the family was out and the turtle fell from the counter to the floor. My sister searched for her for two days and assumed she had been eaten by the dog or cat. On the 3rd day she finally pulled out the fridge and found her covered with dust bunnies and still alive. No cracks in shell and apparently no worse for wear. UNBELIEVABLE! When my niece moved out, she could not take the turtle and that is when I found out about her and took her home. purchasing a turtle tank, filter, basking platform, UV and heat lamps, etc.
Fast forward 3 years......
She is now a good 5-6 inches long and has really outgrown the tank I purchased. I am having trouble finding a platform that fits in the tank I have that will hold her. She really needs a tank with deeper water at this point. It was great 3 years ago but not anymore. Although I really don't want to, I think I need to re-home her to someone who has a larger turtle setup. At this time, we have hit some financial hardships and I cannot afford to purchase and set up a larger tank/filters, etc. My issue is that I am very choosy and want to make sure she goes to a REALLY GOOD home.

I live in Western Arizona. I have had a woman contact me that has an outdoor pond with 3 sliders. Can anyone give me their thoughts on turtles outside in western AZ? Obviously VERY hot (125 degrees) in summer and can be in 30's in winter but seldom freezes. Obviously I will talk with her further and check out the pond and such but I would value your opinions and thoughts.

Any insight/opinions welcome. I want to do what is best for her. Thanks.

[Kansasslider]

I think that would be a good choice.Just make sure she really does care for her turtles. Have you considered a plastic stock tank. They are really cheap.About a dollar a gallon. So $150 for a 150 gallon tank.

[steve]

How big is the pond? You are not limited to aquariums to keep a turtle. Kansasslider is right, large stock tanks are cheap that will last a long time.

Basically, you're looking at spending $1 per 1 gallon of tank. That should apply to new tanks, 10-55 gallons and used tanks 55-100 gallons. You might be able to find a great deal on stock tanks and preformed ponds. There are some who have used bath tubs to create a home. If you or someone you know is capable, you can make a tank yourself. There are plywood tanks and habitats made of pond liner.

How much you care for her is very clear. She's probably best kept in your care.