 |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
Slider 4-6 years old... giving
away 1/24/12 Turtle Question 7/14/11 Hi, <Hiya - Darrel here> Turtle compatibility question. <OK> I'm a new owner. <Of ?? New owner of a 40 gallon tank? Of turtles?> 40 gallon tank. My original idea was for a common Musk and a Mississippi Map. <Ummm> I called the guys at turtlesale.com and they said they would be fine in that size and as far as getting along he said "usually". <How many fatalities are there in 'usually'?> I chose these two because I like the way they look and their size and they are in my price range. I plan on keeping these a long while and I don't want to see either injured or have to separate them. I read Musk turtles are pretty aggressive. <Yep - in their way, they're worse than a Personal Injury Lawyer> So anyway I need a small size turtle (male) that can remain compatible. Even same species or different species. Yes I did search Google can't really find any exact answers I know it depends on personality. <If you have a patient personality you'll fine more answers on Google> <Oh, wait, you meant the turtles, right?> I'm open to two Maps, a Map and Musk, two Painted or anything. <"Anything" is a wide open category, Jeff.> Would like an energetic swimmer that remains below 5 inches. <Well, they ALL have to come up for air eventually, keeping them below 5 inches would require some breathing apparatus> <Wait . Unless you meant their SIZE?> Any ideas or facts? <Facts? Did you know that the comedy movie AIRPLANE! was based on a script from a DRAMA back in the 1950's called "Zero Hour!"? Even the dialog "The fate of everyone on board depends not only on finding someone who can fly this plane, but who didn't have fish for dinner!" is all in a movie entitled Zero Hour! Starring Dana Andrews as a man named Ted Stryker.> <Oh wait you meant TURTLE facts? Hmmm> And I'm fine with feeding two different kinds of food. <Jeff - the Mud, Musk et al, are often lumped together (in care sheets, etc.) with the snapping turtles (the Chelydridae) because of similar habits, diets and temperament. A Mud turtle can live peaceably with a Map turtle as long as the mud (or musk) is very small and the tank is very large. Even so keepers of these mixed animals will find the occasional chunk out of a leg. I have kept both (those actual two, by the way) in a 55 gallon show tank, but I did so with a Plexiglas divider. I wouldn't allow them to mix.> <Another mistake is to keep a softshell turtle with any other. Actually even another softshell can be "iffy"> <The Maps, Painteds, Cooters, Sliders all get along fine. Slight altercations happen between individuals but as long as they have room to get away from each other they seem to be able to work it out> <On a separate note, Map turtles are quite a bit more skittish and private than the rest. They are more aquatic too, which means that they don't have the tolerance for poor water conditions that don't seem to bother the rest of the water turtles.> <MY suggestion: 1 Painted, 1 Red Belly and 1 Cooter will give you nice mixes in color and personality yet all are active swimmers and engaging personalities> Thank you, Jeff <Yer welcome!> Turtle question. SW avail.... Oh, and shark sel. f' as well 2/28/10 Hello, <Hiya - Darrel here> I just bought a new tank for my living room/game room (pool table, bar, darts, etc.). The tank is 8'x3'x3', 538 gal. <VERY cool and a lot of us here are now officially jealous of you> I have a 100 gal. sump, and I am currently in the process of replumbing it. I need a new, bigger pump than the one that came with it. It's gonna be a saltwater tank, FOWLR. I already have a 90 gal reef tank, a 45 gal. FOWLR, and a 35 gal tank that I will probably turn into a quarantine tank (all saltwater of course). <At that size, please also give serious consideration to water changes. Permanent plumbing to a drain, a safe, warm place to have a minimum of 75 gallons of new water ready for changing (538 gal + 100 gal sump plus 35 gal quarantine tank) plus a method to get to the various tanks. It seems obvious but you'd be surprised how many people don't think of that until after those 5 gallon jugs from the local fish store just don't cut it when you need 15 of them per week><<Excellent. B>> My question is this. I am very interested in getting a turtle for it. Is there anywhere that I can buy one? <No> Is it even legal? <No> I've been looking over the internet, and I can't find anything so far. I am trying to make a list of what I can stock this tank with, and I think a turtle, among other rare exotic fish would be so cool. <A turtle would be cool. So would a Marine Iguana from the Galapagos. So would a dinosaur but the first two are illegal and the last one is impossible><<But, I seen it on TeeBee>> <Seriously even if virtually every species of sea turtle in the world was not listed as CITES protected species it simply isn't possible to provide a health environment for them -- and even if you could (which you can't) you can't provide the proper diet.> I am open to any suggestions if you have any. <On the off chance that I haven't made myself crystal clear -- there is no legal way to acquire one and even if you could, the cost of care would be astronomical and the end result would be a dead sea turtle. You'd be better off AND happier to amass a laundry basket full of $20 bills and toss them down a storm sewer. The net effect will be the same and it would be over sooner.><<& less frustrating and time-consuming>> I am looking into a couple of sharks as well, if it is legal. <Certain sharks are legal, yes.> I'm not sure. <For many years, not more than 45 miles from where you live, I raised and housed 4 alligators. When friends and neighbors would look at me and ask "why Alligators???" I' reply, perfectly honestly "because sharks are too darned delicate!"> <The problem, as I see it, is that the thing that comes to mind when someone wants to keep a shark is Bruce (the shark from "Jaws") also known as Carcharodon carcharias, The Great White Shark - right? Or a Bull shark or at least even a Hammer Head? All the really GOOD sharks are the pelagics - the open-ocean types or else their in-shore cousins the White Tip, Gray Reef, etc. but without exception those can't be kept in a closed system, even as sophisticated as yours. They need, at best - tens of thousands of gallons per foot of shark, constant keeper and veterinarian attention and all the attendant expense that go with that. So what we're left with are Bamboo sharks, Horned Sharks and a few other members of the family I call "The Boring, lazy, non-menacing Sharks"> <Please read: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/sharks.htm> [Editors Note: On behalf of WWM we would like to apologize to any and all Bamboo sharks, Horned sharks, their families, relatives and dependents as well as their faithful fans, keepers, breeders, resellers and importers for that unwarranted insult. Moreover, having met Mr. Barton on several occasions he has no room to be calling anyone else Boring, Lazy or Non-menacing that was the quintessential case of the pot calling the kettle.] As you can imagine, with a tank of this size, I want to have some of the best livestock in it. <I have an opinion that my colleagues may not share, so take it with a grain of salt (that may be been a pun - grain of salt!): Consider resisting the urge to put as many different species in that tank as possible and instead see how many of the SAME species you can accommodate. What I mean is this, the behavior and appearance of the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is absolutely AWESOME in large groups/schools to the point of almost taking your breath away. Unfortunately, most of us mortals simply don't have enough "tank" to be able to house more than one or two. You do. If you apply some different logic (think outside the tank, to make a pun) you could end up with something unique. "The most impressive collection of {something} west of the Mississippi" or something like that.> I plan on documenting the whole process, and as I go I will send pics if your interested. <We are very interested -- along with a narrative of the process and the decisions that went into it!> Right now its empty. but just the size of it alone sitting in my room is pretty awesome. I always come to WWM, and you guys have really helped me over the years. <Yeah, but that was before *I* joined the staff. I've brought the team average down a few points since then> This is the first time I've actually asked a question, <And maybe learned your lesson?> and I am sure you can give me some great advice like always. <A lot of the team give good advice. Most give GREAT advice. Unfortunately, this time you got ME!> Thank you in advance. Rudy, Chino Ca. <Seriously Rudy -- take lots and lots of pictures and send them to us periodically.> Re Turtle question. SW avail.... Oh, and shark sel. f' as well 3/2/10 Dear Crew, <Here we are!!!> Regarding the keeping of sea turtles and wasting money .... Please note that amassing laundry basket full of $20 bills and toss them down a storm sewer is illegal in some jurisdictions. Here in Charlotte, NC the city actually charges us for the water that falls on our yards from the sky. Basically they charge for what we use and for rain that we don't use. Please don't give them other ideas. <"No man's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session" -- unknown> I suggest he use the PayPal donate button on the site instead :') <Thanks Greg! .... your letter gives me an opportunity to remind people that WWM does in fact have a "Donate" button on the home page and should anyone be tempted to toss money down a sewer ... that money could be put to much better use here, with us. Donations help us keep this free site up & running, purchase articles for the Conscientious Aquarist Magazine and the occasional hush-money to local officials willing to help us in our quest for the ultimate domination of the world!><<Amen. B>>
Home for 2 turtles 06/29/08 We purchased 2 yellow-bellied turtles last summer in Hilton Head. Female is now about 5" and male 7". It's more work than I thought and would like to find a home for them. TY, sw <Greetings. Wet Web Media can't provide personal services of this type. For one thing, I have no idea at all where Hilton Head is! Certainly isn't anywhere near me here in Hertfordshire, England. You essentially have two options. The first is to contact an animal rescue in your locality. Do bear in mind that they are literally inundated with pet turtles "donated" by people who bought them before doing any research. So you might not get much help from them; at least, not without making a more useful donation alongside the turtles in the form of money they can use to help the animals in their care. The second option you have is to contact local pet stores. There is a market (albeit a small one) for large rather than small pet turtles. Telephone around. The one option YOU DO NOT have is to let them loose in the backyard or a stream near your house. While this is almost certainly breaking some sort of law, it is also cruel on your animals that now have no idea of how to feed themselves, defend themselves from predators, or find shelter from the elements. Hope this helps, Neale.> College Student Wants A Turtle 1/4/07 I want to get a turtle, the only problem is I live at my college during the week but come home many weekends. Would a turtle be alright over the weekend if I cleaned the cage before hand and left it some food? Or would it be better to bring it back and forth? Also are there certain turtles that would deal better with either of these than others? If it will hurt my turtle I will just not get one. Thank you. < If you have the time to take proper care of him he would be fine over a weekend while you are at home. I know college can be hectic. In a year he may be 4+ inches and need a 40 gallon tank. Bigger turtle means bigger messes to clean up. Not that easy to break down a turtle and move it around. I would really recommend that you finish college, get a job and get settled in before getting any animal.-Chuck> Wise Parent Needs Turtle Knowledge 12/17/06 I want to buy a turtle for my daughter. However I want one that will stay fairly small. Are there any breeds that make fairly good pets and stay under 6 inches at full growth? Also what supplies will I need to purchase up front to provide good care for a turtle? Thanks Abby Michl < First let me compliment you on checking in BEFORE you buy the turtle. Too many times we get questions on turtle after they buy them. Check out painted turtles. They don't get as big as red eared sliders, and only get about 7 inches long. Red eared turtles get aggressive too. A painted turtle will go well in a 40 gallon aquarium that is half filled with water. They need to come out of the water and bask to get the proper lighting and warmth to digest their food and develop vitamins. They do well on a diet of commercial aquatic turtle pellets, insects ,worms and green vegetables. Here is the check list: 1) 40 gallon aquarium for one adult turtle 2) Hood/Top with fluorescent fixture to keep critters out. 3) Porcelain Clamp light fixture to provide a heated basking spot 4) UVB fluorescent light to light up the aquarium and provide the right light wave lengths 5) Basking Spot Lamp to provide heat for the basking site. Needs to be at least 85 F. 6) Water conditioner to remove chlorine from the water. 7) Water filter to keep the aquarium water clean 8) Basking site 9) Thermometer 10) Aquatic turtle food 11) Hand sanitizers Turtles can carry bacteria that is harmful to humans. It is very important to wash your hands and or sanitize them after handling turtles or cleaning the cage. If this sounds like a lot of money and equipment just think that this turtle may live for another 20 to 30 years! There is a very good book on water turtles titled " The Proper Care and Maintenance of Water Turtles" by Phillipe De Vosjoli. ZooMed distributes this book along with almost all of the items you will need.-Chuck> Re: Turning A Turtle Loose In A Pond 8/21/06 Ok Thank you. Do you think the turtle I already released is still alive or not? < Adult turtles are pretty tough and have few predators. Smaller turtles are preyed on by just about everything. If your turtle was released early in the year, close to being an adult size and in good health, then I think he probably made it if the winter was not too severe.> I don't have a picture of the turtle but I was told its a Cooter or something like that. < Lots of turtles go under the name of cooters or sliders.> Also, I do want my turtle. I just think it would be better off with other turtles then in my little pond. It is about 2 feet deep and 6 feet long and 3 feet wide. It is actually a kiddie pool and I have fish in there with it and it kills them all the time and also bugs so I think it could survive in the pond but I'm worried about if it could survive there in the winter. Thank you for your answers and help. < Many people think that turtles get lonely and need other turtles to be around. Other turtle are looked at as competition. If your pond has a mud bottom and your winters are not too bad then your turtle may be OK outdoors. In the northern part of the country where winters are pretty long and winter temps are pretty severe they do not overwinter well.-Chuck> Getting a Turtle 6/27/06 HELLO! My name is Andrew and since I can remember I've always loved turtles but never was aloud to get one. Now I am 13 and my parents said that as long as I do my research and promise that I will not spend all of my time with the turtle but also with my dog, clean my 10 gallon aquarium and friends and family time matters too (yes I do have all of these pets for me to take care of, I just LOVE any thing that's living, am also a gardener...). Anyway I've finally proven to her that turtling (turtle-ing or turtle caring for ness stuff, I don't no what you call keeping a turtle as a pet, sorry) but there's only three more obstacles: 1. what are all of the required items needed to keep a pet turtle (preferably a red-eared slider?) <There is a great little inexpensive book out by Zoo Med called "Proper Care and Maintenance of Water Turtles". In this book you will find all in information of all the items you need to keep a turtle.> And how much will they cost? (in Canadian dollars please) < Once you see what you need you can shop around. Check out the local pet shops as well as online stores too.> And how many can I put in a tank? <I would recommend a single turtle. They don't need friend or companions.> How often do I have to feed them? <Dietary requirements are covered in the book.> What should I do with my turtles when I go away on trips? < A turtle can go for about a week without being fed. After that they should be fed by someone.> My neighbours who usually take care of my pets and garden (they are so reliable and such dear friends) are moving away and my closest and most reliable friends/family are at least a 15-2 and a half hour drive away from my house, will it be ok if I leave them alone for a week with an automatic feeder or is it ok to drive them to my friends house or will they get car sick? < They won't get car sick. A short hop to your friend's house will be fine.> Keep in mind that I want to have a minimum and maximum of two turtles and I can only afford a 20g tank since I am only 13..., will this be a problem? < Get the book and price out all the items you will need. In a 20 gallon tank you will be very busy changing water because turtles are very messy and foul the water very quickly.> How big will they grow? < A large female RES may get up to a foot over many years.> Thank you soo much for your time. any help is very much appreciated. Andrew. <Keep in mind that turtles can live for over twenty years in captivity. This is a long term commitment. As you grow you will be busy with school, friends, work, girls, sports, cars etc.. Turtles are great little pets but still need some attention.-Chuck> Buying A Turtle 5/14/06 I would like to buy an easy to care for water turtle and live in NJ where it is illegal to sell them at pet stores. Can you recommend some place to purchase healthy turtles? Thanks! DGL < Go to Kingsnake.com. It is like eBay for reptiles. Lots of turtles for sale from dealers all over the country. Try and find one that is captive bred and is at least 4 inches. Larger turtles are much easier to take care of than new hatchlings.-Chuck> Buying a New Turtle - 1/6/06 After giving him much attention and care my little buddy died this afternoon right after I came home from school. Darn pet shop didn't have enough care for animals. (sorry for the rant) What can I do next time so I can avoid buying a sick baby turtle? Thanks. < In many states turtles need to be at least 4 inches (shell length) before they can be sold. Look for turtles that are very active and alert. Ask questions and see if the shop knows what they are taking about. Stay away from those with sick sedentary turtles and don't know how to properly care for them. There are inexpensive books out there that can help you prepare and care for your turtle through its long life span.-Chuck>Baby Turtle Questions <Hi, MikeD here> We bought two little turtles at a flea market about a week ago. Their shells are about 1" - 1½" in diameter.<It's that time of year> The guy who sold them to us had them in a tiny little plastic aquarium with barely any water. Anyway, when we got home I searched the internet to find out how to take care of them, and found out it's illegal to sell them that small.<Yes and no. As pets yes, with many using the loophole "for educational purposes only> We think they are red eared sliders, because of the spot behind their eyes. It's not really red though, more like peach. Does the shade indicate their health, or does it get more red as they get older?<The amount of red varies, actually being pink or yellow in some cases, with there being several closely related sliders> We got them a glass aquarium, filter, heat lamp, floating island, and turtle food from the pet store. The aquarium is like a regular sized fish tank, 20 gallons I guess. How long will it be before they need a bigger tank?<That depends on how much you feed them, what you feed them, etc.> Also, I have only seen one of the turtles eat, and am worried that the other is not eating.<It may not be feeding. They often get "soft shell" from not being able to get out of the water enough, as well as fungus and other ailments as well> I've read the long lists on the internet of foods you are supposed to get for your turtle, are the instructions/recommendations any different for turtles this small? <Just make sure they can easily get out of the water and that you have a full spectrum "daylight" herp bulb. Feeding meaty foods can be helpful as well, but use caution as this is why it's technically illegal to sell them, as salmonella bacteria flourish in the water> The turtle that I saw eat seems a lot more active and even smarter than the other one. Do turtles have different "personalities" or is the second turtle not as healthy?<This could be either or both. If #2 isn't eating, it's likely ill> Should we report the guy who sold them to us? Who would we report him too? You can file a complaint with your local state's fish and wildlife dept. and/or the better business bureau if you wish> Thank you, RebekahEndangered or Not? I'm confused about the endangered species list. Is and EASTERN RED BELLIED turtle considered a PLYMOUTH RED BELLIED TURTLE? because the Plymouth ribs on the endangered list and is a sub species of the eastern rb. can you please set me straight I'm confused. >> This has been in our inbox for a few days, so I think none of us are so sure. There is an easy way to find out. You can call your local USFW (US Fish and Wildlife Service) office, and they should be able to help you with your query. They have a website, but I am not sure what state you are in to find you the local number. Good Luck, Oliver |
|
|
| Featured Sponsors: |
