General Care Discussion :: How often should i take my turtle out?

[steve]

Sunlight will always offer much stronger and better UVA/UVB, so offering both would the best of both worlds. If you do regularly take your turtles out, consider some type of enclosure to keep them fenced in.

[Mistic811]

I have a reptiGLO 10.0 uvb is that OK? I don't want it to be too much. My one YBS likes to sit under it more that the heat bulb. ( both shine on turtle dock) I've not seen where you should " play" with them outside their tank. I thought moving them around and taking them out a lot stressed them out. :confused:

[steve]

The 10.0 should be OK, just make you follow the directions regarding distance. At any sign of irritated eyes or swollen eyelids, stop it's use immediately.

[amwassil]

I lost a turtle in the park after turning my back for maybe 15 seconds to pick up another one, so I'm not so keen on taking them out any more. Our little Antonia was gone for 4 days. Fortunately, someone walking through the park spotted her and took her to a pet store for safekeeping, so she actually only spent one night outside and didn't get dehydrated. After searching the park inch by inch for two days, out utter desperation and despair I posted a notice in the park. The fellow who found Antonia responded, so thankfully we got her back no worse for wear and as happy to see us as we to see her again. At least in the turtle tank at the store she was the biggest turtle in the tank for a change!

A few weeks earlier, Alexander managed to climb out of a day tank. It took us 3 days to find him in our apartment! He was sleeping so soundly when we found him the wife thought he was dead. In fact, he did not move until a minute or so after I picked him up and started to pet him and talk to him. Then he opened his eyes. He was dehydrated and very hungry. I think going to sleep was a survival mechanism.

So, they all stay in the tanks now, unless watched individually.