General Care Discussion :: turtle on floor

[JESUSfreak]

is it smart to let my res walk around on my floor and if so any steps i should take?

[industrial_girl_2000]

It's ok, only if the turtle doesn't try to run away & hide from you the minute you put them on the floor. The smaller turtles are usually really scared when they are out of the tank, so you have to watch out for this (if he gets too scared, it will make him stressed).

If you have any other pets like dogs/cats, don't let them near a walking turtle (again, that can stress the turtle). I would also put down a towel on the floor in case they pee. If they pee the minute you pick them up, it is another sign that they are scared & I would NOT let him/her walk around the house.

It honestly depends on the individual turtle. My big adult 9" long turtle loves walking around the house because 9 times out of 10, it means she is going to be fed (I feed her in a separate pan of water so that her tank stays more clean). I've also had her for 17 yrs so she has gotten very used to me & follows me around when she is outside the tank (like a dog). But this is not the norm. Most turtles are very scared.

[jenaero]

I vote No on that one. Some people do, but IMO, they can too easily get lost/hurt or be exposed to cleaning product residue.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Good point about the cleaning products, Jenaero.

I should probably mention that I don't use any chemical cleaning products in my house (just use water or maybe a bit of vinegar to wipe something up off the floor). I have several aquatic pets that I don't want to expose to chemical fumes, so it isn't just for the turtle walking around on the floor.

[JESUSfreak]

ok tyvm um so just put a towel down and let him walk on that? oh and i let him walk around outside

[megcornell]

There's no plausible way to keep your turtle walking only on the towel. Turtles walk a lot faster than they look like they can . If you are worried about something on your floor harming the turtle then its best to keep him in the tank.
So long as you don't have pesticides on your lawn and you can keep a close eye on your turtle you can let him outside for a little while to get some natural sun. Turtles are good diggers though and easily get lost in backyards so you can't leave them unattended at all, they will escape.

[RunninWideOpen]

How big is your turtle?? I never let my smaller 3" turtles out to walk around. They're too fast and they walk to easy. My 6" girls I let out quite often, inside and outside.

I agree with the stress thing. You can tell pretty easy if you're turtle is comfortable and exploring or just desperately looking for a place to hide. If it's stressed don't do it. Stress is quite bad for turtles.

Like your name by the way, and welcome to the forum.

[industrial_girl_2000]

ok tyvm um so just put a towel down and let him walk on that? oh and i let him walk around outside

Turtles are very curious. He won't just walk on the towel. And if he starts hiding under things, then you will know he is scared & he should stay in the tank.

[marisa]

Did you get him recently? I noticed in another post you also have him walking around outside (if he's not on an abrasive surface and can be watched, the direct sunlight is really good for him).

If he's been aquired recently, I'd leave him in his tank and occasionally take him outside for some sun.

[urbancleopatra]

i think you're safe if you make sure to secure the area so they can't escape. i let my little guys walk around on the floor too. but my curious puppy came for a little look and the turtle bit her on the nose. quite a site to see.

[Tenodera]

i think you're safe if you make sure to secure the area so they can't escape. i let my little guys walk around on the floor too. but my curious puppy came for a little look and the turtle bit her on the nose. quite a site to see.

LOL

My Serra always try to hunt my dog and Mimi is TERRIFIED of her. Serra would even stalk Mimi and charge at her. Poor Mimi!

[xsavingsaturdayx]

I vote No on that one. Some people do, but IMO, they can too easily get lost/hurt or be exposed to cleaning product residue.

I vote no too.

[Opus]

I once put opus on the floor,he runned like crazy!it took me 10 mins too finally get him.