General Care Discussion :: Turtles out of the tank...........

[Charly'sMom]

I am a new turtle owner, and was just wondering.....do they like being out the tank to walk around???? I've always seen in movies and telivision shows how people let them walk on the floor and they hold them... I have a 3 yr old and just concerned about her getting bit and general keeping her and the turtle clean and healthy..... what are some of your thoughts regarding this question......Thank you for your help , Lida

[jenaero]

If you have the right setup for your turt, there's no reason to let him out to roam. It can do more harm than good. Hairs and carpet fibres can get wrapped around their feet and you'd hardly notice it and it could cut off blood circulation. The turt would be exposed to whatever residue is left when you wash the floors, etc. Really the biggest threat is the turt getting lost. I can't count the number of times I've seen posts (not on this forum specifically) about someone losing their turt because they turned around to answer the phone or something.

[sonyj]

I just hate watching movies that show turtles being kept like cats and dogs. It just irritates me knowing that their place is in their habitat. There's nothing wrong with taking them outside for direct sunlight in a kiddie pool or something else suitable, but even then you'll want to supervise them. It is stressing on them to be picked up in general or be moved from their "comfort zone"/habitat.

Some turtles are more aggressive than others on the biting thing. Until you learn your turtles personality, be careful when little ones are around. Even if he tries to bite, remember this is usually not a sign of meanness but natural instinct to protect themselves.

Most will agree that they are perfectly content in their habitat and do not need to "roam". Just be sure to clean/disinfect any surface that your turtle, his water or equipment comes in contact with. If proper hygiene is followed then health wise there's nothing to be concerned with for you and your family.

[Charly'sMom]

Thank you so much for the advice on taking Tuck out of habitat!! I really wasn't looking forward to pulling him out and letting him roam, but if that was to be what he needed then, I was more than willing to do so!!

[marisa]

When it's nice weather (which hasn't been for a while ), I take my RES outside and let him walk on the grass sometimes. I'm with him when he's out, but he sticks pretty close to where I am (so far).

[missibsu]

I let mine outside to wander as well. Usually when I am cleaning the tank, or they have gone outside to the kiddie pool. Mine love to go outside and swim and soak up the rays.

[KellyP]

Mine enjoy going outside for some sunshine and wandering around in the grass. I keep a close watch on them though, and don't do it too often cause I don't want to stress them out.

[steve]

On nice days, my turts go outside on the grass. They are supervised and they are free to explore and roam around. Sometimes they are fenced in but someone is still nearby to watch them.

[repetit]

yea , i bring my turtles out for roaming as well , get used to the surroundings and enjoy the sun shine
they usually follow me arnd whenever i go which is kind of cute
but to be exact , they are actually following my hands -.- since its the hand tt feeds them lol