General Care Discussion :: taking turtle out for a trip?

[Captain Rotundo]

My son resently asked if he could take his turtles to show to his nursery school class. I thought this would be ok, but would like some advice on temporarily transporting one or both of them, I have a couple of small tanks that will do fine and can be moved with water, but I am concerned about temperature and how long I can keep them in unheated water, etc...

what do you do when you have to transport turtles? - Is this just a bad idea that will result in too much stress? I have one that is very active and friendly, and figure he wouldn't mind a little day trip.

[flutterby]

I don't know if it would be a good idea. Kids of that age are probably going to want to touch and handle the turtle and with the "risk" of salmonella its not a good idea.

[jenaero]

I'd talk to the principal first. My mother teaches grade 2 and wants me to bring in the box turtle and possibly the snake but has to get clearance from the school first.

If you do end up taking them in, don't transport them in water. Use a small container with a lid and with a dry towel in it. Go with him and whatever you do, don't leave them there. Make it a show and tell thing rather than a day trip.

[Captain Rotundo]

Obviously there would have to be clearance, I would not just show up with a turtle. thanks for the advice

[sharon in atlanta]

This is a little late, but for future reference, I've taken our turtle (5 inch RES) to my sons' classes a few times. I transport her as advised in a small carrier with a towel. I also bring a beach towel and let her crawl on it for the kids to see. They are amazed how fast she is. I bring hand sanitizer and let each child pet her shell and then get a squirt of sanitizer. Then we go straight home. My turtle always seem energized by the outing and not tired or stressed. At home, she gets a treat for going to school.

[Sprawl]

i've done the same as sharon says with Diesel for some kids stuff i help with.

They absolutely love seeing her. I let them touch, but won't let anyone hold her. More for the children's safety than my turtles. The last thing we need is some kid having it's hand gashed open by diesel flailing around and scratching with her claws.

i wont take shawn because shawn will bite people that aren't me and doesnt like being handled. really it's up to the termperment of the turtle. I can hold diesel up to a crown and she'll sit still in my hands just watching everyone without fighting. makes for a better display than if i'm stuck holding a turtle partially hidden