General Care Discussion :: Gender Identification and Behaviour

[steve]

It's not healthy for them to grow too fast. When in doubt, feed less.

[Samkit]

Hi! I am planning to give my turtle to a sanctuary, 100 miles from my place, where they keep the RES in a natural environment. I will first go there by myself and check out the habitat as well as care and nutrition habits. Once I find it satisfying, I'll think of sending him away.
The reason for sending him is not because I am tired or can't afford. It's because I am planning to upgrade his habitat and what better environment than the natural one. If the conditions are not suitable then I will build a bigger tank for him.
My turtle is just 2 years old and has lived alone since birth.
Is it advisable to send him in an environment where adult sliders are there? The concerning factors are social adjustment and fear of bigger turtles.
Please help

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

You have specified the sanctuary and natural environment. Does this place have a website so others can see where they keep the red ears? Just trying to get a idea on the area. I can see your concern on larger turtles and turtles that never met. Larger natural enclosures will for sure have dominance and territorial domains, that is for sure and really if you place the turtle there, sorry to inform but these two issues will arise as always. If it was a open sanctuary with large ponds and creeks to give your little one a way out of the general populated areas to establish its own domain and if it was my turtle, then that may of course change my mind a bit on least giving it the chance not to be nipped or tormented with dominance. Of course the turtles feeding, nutrition and if there is someone there such as a vet to go out and oversee the turtles every few days or week at least, would also be a plus.

You have the right mindset but I would like to see a website on this place if you do not mind sharing a link to me.

[Samkit]

You have specified the sanctuary and natural environment. Does this place have a website so others can see where they keep the red ears? Just trying to get a idea on the area.

They do have a website. http://www.punezoo.gov.in/
But even in the gallery or the zoo map you there is no trace of turtles. But I have confirmed that they have RES.



[/quote]Of course the turtles feeding, nutrition and if there is someone there such as a vet to go out and oversee the turtles every few days or week at least, would also be a plus.[/quote]

Yes there is a vet who looks after them.

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

The site to me seems blocked like a government block from other nations to view. I do not know, maybe others can see it. That is wonderful on the vet there.

[Samkit]

I'll send u a pic which can help,

I'll visit the sanctuary probably in a week or so and post about it.

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

It looks like a nice size lake if that is were they keep the turtles. Big enough for people to use their row boats as marked on the chart and if you notice the elephant area which needs to be big in general, is near half the size of the lake and the lake is 3 to 4 times wider. If the turtles are here, I would say ok if it was my turtle but if the turtles were trapped on the right side of that little bridge, I would be a bit wary honestly because of the size of that area depending on how many turtles they already have in there. Being that this park has a very nice variety of exotic animals, this tells you alone that the animals are well cared for and their nutrition is provided daily which is great. Depending on where they keep the RES is the question here in my opinion and how many turtles if it is in the small canal to avoid a lot of dominance and aggression behaviors. That will tell you in itself and upon your visit where your heart stands on what to do. In your postings, you have displayed very intelligent questions and answers and a honorable personalty. My suggestion to you is go where your heart takes you on the matter of giving up your turtle after you visit the park. Your heart and mind first thoughts in these situations are normally the best choice a person can make.

[steve]

Very tough decision. If you had him since he was a hatchling, I would lean towards keeping him. It doesn't sound like a bad place at all but I think a visit there would really help you make the choice. Just remember that it is more natural, and more dangerous for him.

[Kansasslider]

If you are going to upgrade his habitat why put him in a place where he could be in danger of injury? I would also say keep him. He is in no safer place than at home with you and it's apparent you love your turtle.

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

I strongly agree to what both Steve stated on " that it is more natural, and more dangerous for him" and I strongly agree on what Kansasslider stated all the way through his post. Kansasslider question is truly outstanding in all regards in his wording " If you are going to upgrade his habitat why put him in a place where he could be in danger of injury? "

I think the consideration on getting him / her a temporary housing unit would be more beneficial all while you upgrade his habitat that will for sure eliminate all risk that Steve and Kansasslider had clearly pointed out. Kansasslider also mentioned " He is in no safer place than at home with you and it's apparent you love your turtle. "

Please take both their thoughts in consideration prior to making a decision that you may regret later.

[Samkit]

Thank you tampa bay turtle fan for the compliments and your opinions. They are valuable.
Also, thank you steve and Kansas for your insights too. I understand that the reason I should keep him with me is that he is more prone to fear and injury.
I saw some videos of that enclosure online and couldn't make much out of it. Eventually I'll have to visit it and inquire.
Nice to hear that you'll understand my intention in this decision.

However, I have one question. Won't it be easier for him to get along with other turtles now as compared to if I move him 2-3 years later?

[Samkit]

I finally visited that sanctuary and inquired about the care and nutrition. Below are the details and pictures at end:
Enclosure-
There are 2 enclosures, one for display and other in restricted area. The display one has 15 adult turtles of which 5-7 male and 8-10 female and water is about 75 gallon and sand area, I guess, is approx. 50 sq.ft. The water area is shallow but widespread.
The other enclosure( which I wasn't allowed to visit) has around 7000-8000 gallons of water, housing 100-150 RES of various ages.

Nutrition-
They just said that they feed purely non-veg diet to the adults(above 10 years old). This was enough to tell me that they have no idea about feeding.

Amy new addition of turtles is done to the inside tank. The condition for giving the turtle is that, I can't see him again ever. Also, they won't even allow me in even when I give my turtle.

So I have decided to keep my turtle with me and have ordered a glass tank of 50 gallons.

Although I still have a doubt, wouldn't it be easier for him to get along with other turtles now as compared to if I move him 2-3 years later?

[Kansasslider]

I would for sure keep your turtle and NOT give him to that place!

[Samkit]

I would for sure keep your turtle and NOT give him to that place!

See the pic above. Please tell what you think about the question I have posted in the end.

[Kansasslider]

Why would you need to get rid of your turtle?