Should I release my red eared slider turtle?
Never release a pet turtle into the wild. Turtles kept in captivity may not have the important nutrients they need to survive through the cold winter. In addition, your turtle may not be native to your area and should not interbreed with wild turtles.
Where can I release my turtle?
Look for turtle rescue centers, a zoo or a Nature Center, but don’t just take it and drop it in a local lake; it could cause lots of problems!
Does Petsmart take unwanted turtles?
Petco and Petsmart typically allow ads to be posted. Some animal control agencies and humane societies will accept turtles. There’s an adoption posting section at www.turtleforum.com, Some pet stores will accept unwanted turtles. Although this might seem harsh, it’s a humane alternative.
Is it illegal to release a red eared slider?
Releasing a slider to a pond or lake isn’t an alternative. This is illegal in most states. Red-eared sliders are not native to much of the USA and can cause environmental issues for native turtles.
What does a red eared slider do in a pond?
Red-eared Sliders are able to climb and burrow. If they are kept in crowded conditions or cannot find a mate, they will escape to find a more suitable home. They can smell fresh water and will follow the scent to a new pond.
How long do red eared sliders live in Oregon?
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that they compete with native turtles for food, nesting and basking space, and hiding places. Native turtles have no immunity to parasites and diseases carried by red-eared sliders. Turtles can live more than 20 years, so if you set them free, they will pose a threat for a long time!
Why are red eared slider turtles a problem?
Sliders became a problem because so many owners set them free in a local pond or lake. CDFW recommends removing red-eared slider turtles and other non-native species, like bullfrogs, that eat or compete with native species. They also recommend leaving native western pond turtles in peace.
Releasing a slider to a pond or lake isn’t an alternative. This is illegal in most states. Red-eared sliders are not native to much of the USA and can cause environmental issues for native turtles.
Can a red eared slider survive in cold water?
Red-eared sliders not only can survive in cold water, they do so in the wild, every year. Throughout much of the area that red-eared turtles live, the lakes and ponds they live in get quite cold during the winter. The water temperature is often 40 F and the ponds occasionally freeze over.
What’s the difference between a painted turtle and a red eared slider?
Here’s how to tell the difference between a painted turtle and a red-eared slider. Can you tell which is which? Red-eared sliders have a red streak that begins at the end of both their eyes and runs down their neck. Painted turtles don’t.
How big of a tank do you need for a red ear slider?
Some people also feed their turtle in a smaller “feeding container” such as a Rubbermaid or Sterilite container filled partially with water to keep food from fouling the aquarium water. Remember, you’ll need roughly 10 gallons per inch of turtle, so if your tank is too small, your water quality will reflect this as well.
Where can I give away my red eared slider?
When giving away your Red-eared Slider, your best bet would be a friend or family member who is willing and capable of adopting a pet turtle. If that’s not possible, you can contact the local zoo or one of several reptile rescue centers in your state and make a request.
How smart are red eared turtles?
Red-eared sliders are the most widely kept turtles. They are smart in a way as they are known to also recognize their owner’s voice as well as their look. They can solve problems such as trying to escape when he is not in his aquarium. He can respond to his name and some commands.
What do you do with a turtle you don’t want?
If you have a turtle you no longer want, keep trying to find it a home or find a way to “put it to sleep,” as we say euphemistically with dogs and cats. Whatever you do, do not release a pet red-eared slider turtle back into the wild.
Is it illegal to release turtles?
People sometimes turn turtles loose, thinking they are “freeing” them, but it’s typically illegal to release turtles outdoors. Turtles let loose might die, and they might carry disease that kills other turtles. If they live, they can out-compete native species for food and habitat, threatening native biodiversity.
