Other Turtle Discussion

I've had my turtle for 2 years, but I can no longer provide her with the environment and care that she needs. It hurts me to have to do this, but it's very possible this will happen.

My question is what is the best approach to making sure she finds a safe home? Who should I be contacting, searching, etc? I am extremely concerned about her well being but I'm really clueless as to where to place her.

Start looking for turtle rescues in your state (do a search on google).

If no one on this site is interested, try other sites ( www.turtleform.com perhaps).

You could try places like craigslist or even place ads in any local petshops near you. If you go this route and want the best for your turtle, try to screen prospective owners---ask questions like what their experience with taking care of turtles is. If they tell you they have turtles, ask about their setup(s), if they have a herp vet that they take their turtles to. Ask about the set-up they would provide for your turtle (assuming they're getting only your turtle)---pics would of it would be nice. Think of questions to ask so that you'll be satisfied that your turtle would be going to a good home.

You did say that it's "very possible that this would happen." To me, this means that you're still considering keeping him. What would it take for you to be able to keep him?

Hi Marisa,

The biggest challenge I face with my turtle right now is that I cannot keep her in my apartment, so she is kept in the basement. This is working out fine for her now, but during the winter it gets pretty cold there and my aunt keeps telling me the glass will crack from the heat of the water and the temperature surrounding the tank. The other issue is that she has not reached her full size yet and I am not sure how I will be able to continue providing her with the amount of space she needs. And last, I don't seem able to provide the variety of foods she needs (veggies, fish, etc) for a few reasons. She is a little over 2 years old and still on a commercial pellet-only diet. I check her often for any signs of illness or deficiencies though and can't seem to find any, but I still feel guilty about the situation...

Thanks for your suggestions!

As far as the basement goes, how cold does it get in the winter, and what is the water temp kept at? I keep Eastern painteds in a basement in the winter, and the temp can get down to around 55F ( it will probably get somewhat cooler than that this winter because a new, more efficient furnace is being installed at the end of this week, which won't be keeping the basement as warm). The water temp is kept at 68 - 70F. I have the stock tank wrapped to help keep the warmth from escaping, and I cover the tank at night when the lights are off to keep the ambient air temp warmer. Perhaps you could do something similar.

Well, the submersible heater in her tank is supposed to be preset to 78F. I don't know what the exact temperature in the basement is but it does get cold, perhaps around or a little below the temperature you described in yours. May I ask what you wrap the tank with, and what kind of lid you use to cover it? The only lids I know of are grate-like, and I don't see how this would help insulate the tank. Excuse my ignorance... :roll:

I should clarify---I use stock tanks for my turtles, so there's no issue about having sides to see out of. I wrap the tank in the basement with reflective material, but a blanket, towels, etc. would also work. I don't know if you have the tank on a stand or some kind of furniture, but especially if it's the latter, it would be good again put the tank on something (towel, blanket, etc.) to insulate it from the bottom. You want to keep the warmth in the tank as much as possible and not let it escape (easier on the heater as well).

A preset heater can't be adjusted? I always thought that they were set to a specific temp, but the once you bought one it could be adjusted...If it can be adjusted, you might start lowering it a few degrees---there would less of a temp difference in the basement.

As far as a cover, I use plexiglass cut to just a bit wider than the tank. The tank is actually divided, so I use two pieces; if I were to use one, it would cover just about the whole tank. Wooden supports across the tank help keep it from sagging. A large enough temp difference between the inside and outside of the tank will cause condensation on the walls and cover.

You might want to stick a thermometer in the basement to keep tabs on the air temp...

Just curious, but what is the problem with not being able to provide a variety of food for her?

Hi! I was reading your post on here and hope that everything does work out for you, and that your turtle finds a great home with someone. I have a question though, regarding covering the turtle enclosure during the winter.
A few days ago, my husband found a hatchling while working, and brought him home. I have placed him in a pretty big 55 gallon tank, in about 6-7 inches of water. I have a really good water heater, lamps, lighting, etc...
I live in Florida but our winters do still get pretty cold (I'm in Jacksonville...), so I have him outside in our enclosed sun room that is attached to our house. It has glass windows but it got really cold outside last winter, down to 20 degrees and sometimes into the teens. It should maintain pretty good heat out there but I assume it could get down to around 50-60 degrees. We just moved in a couple months ago, therefore I'm not sure about the exact temperature it could get down to.
My question is, is it okay to cover the top of the tank with something at least at nighttime? Excuse my ignorance as well, but don't they need air?
Thanks a lot for any info you might have.

Hi kel_879, I think I answered your first question in the thread you started. As for needing air, just a little opening to allow for some circulation should be fine. Those wooden supports I mentioned above, for example, allow a small space for air to enter all around the top of the tank. It would be good to keep a thermometer in the sun room so you know what the temp is.

That's a great idea. I am going to the store today to buy one for the tank inside (out of the water), just to make sure the basking area is warm enough so I will pick up an inexpensive one for the sunroom also.
Thanks for the great information!

Other Turtle Discussion :: Considering surrending turtle to a shelter...PLEASE help

Who is online