General Care Discussion :: How old??

[desertcoyote93]

My RES is a hatchling about the silver dollar, and I had heard that you can let turtles swim around outside in the sun, but I am not sure how old my turtle has to be to do this. I know if I do I will have to keep a constant eye on him to make sure he stays safe.

[Sassamo]

Since wild RES turtles are born outside, I don't think the age matters. What matters is the temp outside, if the water is the same temp as your tank then it should be fine.

[megcornell]

I would shy away from bringing a turtle outside until he's at least a year old or roughly 4 inches.
Not only are smaller turtles more vulnerable to falling ill from drafts or overheating, but if he escaped, you'd never find a fast little turtle that's the size of a half dollar.

[mikee]

When taking turtles out to swim or walk around you have to be careful not to make extream temp. changes. When they are small there is a tendency to take them out to look at them and then back into the tank. Small turtles cool of very quickly with evaporation from the water and then is put back in the heated water. This will cause RI. and should be avoided. m.

[marisa]

If you supervise him, if the weather is warm enough, and if he has a shaded area to go if he wants, a kiddie pool would be good to let him swim around in, even at his size. Having some plants in it for cover and to rest on would also be good. I wouldn't let a turtle his size walk around---it would be too easy to lose him.