Habitat - Outdoor :: What to do with a squatter

[penelope]

So my friend has listened to me yapping about my gal for years, but never could really grasp how one could love a turtle. Well yesterday she was out feeding her 30 inch koi when this little mouth pops up to snag a koi pellet.... it was a RES that has decided to set up camp. Is about 8 inches long. She lives in the mountains of Virginia and none of her nearby neighbors lost a turtle. Not sure what to tell her; is not like she picked it up, brought it home and made a it a pet. The little thing just moved in. She'll let it live there as long as it doesn't eat the koi. Though right now I think the koi have the advantage since they are huge!!!
Any way not sure what to tell her. She doesn't want to give it the boot, there is nowhere for it to go. On the same note she won't be out buying heaters and going to the vet (yet). Would I be remiss in just letting her carry on BAU? I am thinkng the little guy or gal will find a new home if it doesn't like it there. Of course it is turtle heaven. Good filtration, basking rocks, a side pond with silt for hibernation, etc.

[devilduck]

I see RES in Kio ponds all the time when I'm visiting Asia. If they don't mind having a turtle squatter, it should be fine in that pond.

[steve]

I think it sounds ideal... I bet she becomes one of us sooner than later.

[talal]

That is so cool a random turtle just popping up! I've seen Res and Koi together in a pond many times. You can even look up videos on youtube. As long as the Koi are adults its all good, they even eat Algae off the shell of a turtle so its a win win situation. Doesn't your friend already have a heater for her fish?