General Care Discussion :: Handling?

[Matryoshka]

One or two times a week I let my red eared sliders take a little walk, either in the house (in my room, in a small area I fenced up with lego pieces, and have a small dish, with food and water, as well as a few hiding caves etc) or outside in the garden, supervised. I recently heard that handling out of water/habitat more than five minutes a week shortens their lifespan. I am rather concerned, as I let them out for about 5-10 minutes a day , once or twice a week.
Is this really true? D: I just wanted them to play around and explore. Please reply, any input is greatly appreciated.

[Matryoshka]

Charlie was out and exploring for about an hour today I guess, in my room while I was doing a project. Is he at any risk? :c

[Kurtni]

I think that's false. It's good for them to have time, especially outside,to crawl around. It certainly doesn't shorten their lifespan.

And I don't think your turtle will eat food outside of their tank; they need water to swallow things.

[VeipaCray]

I think that's false. It's good for them to have time, especially outside,to crawl around. It certainly doesn't shorten their lifespan.

And I don't think your turtle will eat food outside of their tank; they need water to swallow things.

+1

[Matryoshka]

Thank god o_o I got pretty insane after hearing they would be hurt. Thanks :V
Kurtni; It's a little dish with water and their pellets. They can go in to eat xD It's like a mini buffet bar I guess ._.

[steve]

I think letting them out for awhile is fine, though over handling them is usually stressful. Do yourself a favor and setup better barriers if you regularly let them out. And they can eat out of water, though it's not common since they have difficulty swallowing (which can make it more dangerous).

[vear]

I guess it shortens their lifespan if they get picked up by a huge bird! just kidding, not funny. Just make sure you keep an eye on your little one