Habitat - Indoor :: Indoor Freerange Turtle

[theultimate2009]

Hi everyone, I have a question about the habitat I created for my pet turtle.

About three months ago, I built a bridge ramp out of aluminum siding. My turtle can use it to leave his tank whenever he wants and roam around my bedroom. He uses it a lot, and always returns to his tank before going to bed. I figured the whole idea would allow him to get exorcise whenever he wants it, rather then when I allow it.

I took several precautions to ensure he'll be safe wandering my bedroom. I screened off the area under my bed and the area where my TV and electronics are. (That way he can't touch any power cords). I vacuumed extensively so there won't be anything bad in the carpeting. I put a baby gate in my doorway. I'm also pretty good at not leaving clothes laying around.

He's been known to sunbathe on the top of the bridge. The sun shines across the room and he gets good light there. I also have a rock in the tank for extra shallow water. He's able to hide under the ramp part of the bridge whenever he needs it.

My question is simple. Is it right to give a pet turtle free domain over an entire room, or is the a problem with a turtle leaving the tank when it wants?

[kitttchikitty105]

I think it would be great for him =) go theultimate2009 for that your turtle will be happy

[Caphits]

If your turtle is big enough, it doesnt pose a huge risk. The setup sounds pretty good. The only thing I dont like is that it might be too cold for a wet turtle drying off.

Also, your turtle is getting NO UVB from that sun shining into the room. It most likely goes through a screen, or window. Both of which block almsot all UVB.

[BullDog]

It sounds like a neat idea, as long as he can't get lost anywhere. Don't forget turtles can climb, and squeeze into as tight of a space as their shell will allow! Also, make sure it's easy for him to go back into the tank, and that he can't get too cold or too hot over a furnace vent.
The other thing I should mention is if he relieves himself on the carpet, it would not be a good thing. Also, carpets are harder to disinfect than a smooth surface, and even if he doesn't poop on the carpet, he's been swimming around in the same water he poops in, and that would get all over the carpet.
How big is the tank? I'm just wondering if the rock is taking up a lot of swimming space. Don't forget, RES are primarily aquatic. So as great as lots of walking space is, swimming space is more important.

To be honest, there is still a niggling voice in the back of my head. It's not something I would let my turtles ever do (I rarely let them out in the house). But as long as you're sure it's 100% turtle safe, I suppose it would be OK.

[jozzep]

What kind of turtle are we talking here?Land or aquatic?
If it's a land turtle or tortoise i would say its perfectly fine, but an aquatic turtle i wouldn't really know how to answer that.

Could you post some pictures of this set-up?
thanks

[theartbook35]

I think this is really cool.

Turtles are curious animals, they love to learn, and that is a great experience for your baby.

I have the same worries as everyone else, but, it does sound to me like you know what you are doing.