General Care Discussion :: How big...

[LorJ]

How large (or old) should the turtles be before putting them in an outside pond area? My husband's plan for the turtles is to set up the 100 gallon pond we have in an area in the green house. Or if that does work to make an area in the yard. We have time, and are deciding what is best.
L

[TheComputerGremlin]

There is no set size, so whenever you think the turtle will be safe should be fine. I would say after 4" should be okay. However, your turtle will need a place indoors during the winter if it gets cold there. It is highly not recommended for brumation of the turtles (hibernation outside). What are your outdoor temps like?

[LorJ]

It's hard to say what the temps will be in winter. It doesn't stay freezing cold all winter. Maybe just some cold nights and days here and there. We live in South Carolina.

I think bringing them in for the few months of cold in winter will be best. I like the idea of putting them in the green house because they will be safer there and we can control the temps somewhat.

They are just little babies now, so we have plenty of time to think it over.

[DocShay]

while they are still young, try and keep record of how cold it gets outside, check the care sheets here and just make sure they stay within spec and they should be fine.

Also note, while turtles may be hardy little creatures and be able to survive in the worst climates - Doesn't mean they will be happy. Not trying to be negative towards this at all, just double check things before you make the move

[TheComputerGremlin]

I agree with DocShay, keep a close monitor on the temps and be ready to get the water temps up (maybe a water heater since it will be in a green house?). Keep tabs on the room temp and the water temp through the winter.

Even a cold day every few days can have very detrimental effects on the turtle. If the temps get low (below 73 or so), their metabolism will slow so they will stop eating, but if the temps are low enough to induce a true brumation, they will continue moving and basically starve to death. But I think with a good balance of a basking bulb and a UVB bulb, plus a water heater, I think the green house will be a good place for them to live! I'm considering a similar situation when I finally get a house. But my turtle will be around 2-4 years old by then.

[LorJ]

I can put a heater in the green house for any cold days. Would this help?

Lots of things to think about. Must start writing them down.

[marisa]

A 100-gallon pond is quite small, and the water temp will fluctuate if it's not kept consistently warm with a water heater. A healthy adult could do fine with the temps as low as 68F (my RES lives in water that's pretty much at 70F in the winter and does fine), but yours will still be small and should have the water warmer. The ambient air temp should be at least 75F.

[LorJ]

I may get a 125 gallon stock tank instead of using the pond form. Maybe two of them, one for each turtle (shh.. don't tell my dh yet) There is electricity out there so I can use a tank heater.

I'm curious how much of a land area they would like?

[marisa]

RES are aquatic and really don't need a "land area" per se.

They do need a good basking area with correct lighting, though. If you have them in the same tank, it should be big enough to comfortably fit both of them if they want to bask at the same time, and be big enough so that they can move around a bit and regulate their body temps if they want to. With deep water, resting places like plants (real or fake) are important for small turtles in case they tire of swimming. If you can, creating a ledge or two for resting would also be good.