General Care Discussion :: I found a Red-eared slider in my driveway... Help?

[gildedfalcon]

So I found a red eared slider walking in my driveway.

Seeing how large it is I wanted to keep it. It is 10 inches long from back to front. I purchased a large container and arranged several large rocks to provide a land platform. I also picked up some krill/shrimp/turtle pellets. I fear he wont eat those though since he's wild. Im keeping him outside under my patio for now.

So i suppose I have several questions:

1) How old is a turtle this large?

2) Can I realistically keep it?

3) If so, what other materials will I need for it?


Any other advice would be extremely helpful, Thanks!

[tammi]

Being a wild turtle I'd say let it go. But if you don't here's the info you need.
A 10inch turtle needs a 100 gallon or larger enclosure/tank.
You will need a good canister filter because they produce a large bio-load.
Feeding you will need pellets, veggies, feeder fish and insects.
You will need a water heater to maintane a 75-78 water temp
You will need a uva and uvb bulb. A basking platform.
If the turtle is female you will also have to deal with the egg laying issues.
Frankly I'd let it go if it isn't hurt.

[untsmurf]

Here's a link to the main site:
http://www.redearslider.com/index_basic_info.html

There is a lot of information there about caring for turtles in general, there are also particular links about wild turtles. Here's an excerpt:
"Habitat loss and nesting activity increases the chances you might meet a wild RES. There are possible scenarios in which you may encounter a wild RES and wish to take action. Any action is optional. For instance, it is up to you if you want to help a nest survive since most wild nests do not. The RES is not an endangered or threatened species and you may decide to let nature decide what happens. I do recommend helping an injured turtle since there are options to offer care. Do be careful when handling wild animals. There is no reason to expect them to be hospitable and they may be even more dangerous if injured. Please think ahead and take every measure to be careful.

Local laws vary and it may be illegal for you to remove it from the wild. If you have captured a wild RES, you should release it immediately. Wild animals do not adapt well to captivity despite your intentions. Captive RES are readily available."

[gildedfalcon]

Thanks! I think that I'll just let it go then. He probably came from the nearby neighborhood pond. It seemed like a fun thing to do but if it could endanger the turtles health I'll just let it go then.

[mikee]

gilded-f I would suggest that you let it go or put it in a nearby pond. Getting the proper sizd tank and filter system for an adult turtle would be very costly. Good luck! m.

[untsmurf]

If you're still interested in having a turtle though, now would be the time to do the research and get the tank system properly set up. Then you'd have a chance to buy or rescue a turtle and give it a great home!

[theartbook35]

Releasing her is an excellent idea. It's good you found her, because your driveway and property are not a proper place for a turtle to live.

Having a turtle is a very rewarding experience, and I'm glad a large turtle didn't intimidate you, as far as proper care is concerned.

However, if you still want a turtle, you should start small. There are behaviors that a hatchling has, that an adult turtle does not, and raising one is a very interesting experience.

The best places to get four inch turtles, are local pet stores. You should examine the animals closely, not all pet stores are that great about how they care for the animals.

Your other option is a breeder, but turtles sold by breeder are probably more expensive than a pet store turtle. The catch is breeder turtles are usually more healthy and better cared for.

It's not a good idea to get a turtle from a fleamarket, or craigslist. Fleamarket turtles come with stunted growth and health problems, and craigslist is sometimes too iffy.

[ShellbyRES16x]

You're a great person for letting the turtle go. Even though it may be fun, and trust me, it is, to have a turtle, it's better for the turtle's health!

[marisa]

Do her a big favor and let her go. Take her to that neighborhood pond and let her go.

[untsmurf]

This was an old post that was brought back for no reason...