Habitat - Outdoor :: Turtles Outside?

[ditda]

Hello,

I'm new to turtles and RES at that. I keep fish, though. I saw some nice looking medium-sized RES for sale around here. I was thinking, and wondered if I could keep 1 or 2 in a rubbermaid tub, or kiddie pool outside, during the summer, and bring them inside during the cooler months? I would have to buy a basking lamp. I live in Illinois. If I did this would I need to buy a aquarium heater for the tub? I'm not sure if the heater would melt the tub, though.

Thank you much

[SpotsMama]

Actually, quite a few people do this sort of thing. If you're going to do it, though, why don't you look at a regular outdoor pond. they sell pond kits at places like Home Depot and Walmart. Then, bring the turtle inside for the winter to a nice warm aquarium.

Whatever you setup in the great out-of-doors, it needs to meet all the habitat standards of any turtle environment. An added issue is safety. Outdoor turtles are vulnerable to cats, dogs, racoons and hawks, so their pond has to be safe from these.

Here's some info on the outdoor habitat:

http://www.redearslider.com/outdoor_overview.html

http://www.redearslider.com/outdoor_considerations.html

[steve]

I'd get a stock tank instead and you can just bring the same one indoors/outdoors.

[ditda]

Thanks for the replies. For the time-being a pond is definently out of budget. I wanted to get something that I could easily transport in -> out. If I were to do a stock tank, would I need aeration?

I've looked at those links a big help!

Thanks again!

[kinetic]

i think the easiest place to find a stock tank in IL is Tractor Supply Company( http://www.mytscstore.com/ )... I am using the 55 gal. rubbermaid roughneck bin and you really need to support it well on the sides so it doesnt break.. if i had the option i would have used a stock tank cause they wont break like the rubbermaid storage bins

i have a heater in mine too and its suction cupped to the side and it hasnt melted the plastic yet so i think its fine (especially in a stock tank if need be)

http://www.stockyardsupply.com/page11/index2.html

thats just a general link I have been using to take a look at pricing and such, also depending on what part of IL you are in you might want to try craigslist.com or possibly farm auctions

i agree with steve, for a large budget tank... stock tanks are the way to go

[DavidY]

That stockyardsupply.com is a great link. I really want one of the 1000gal tanks down at the bottom of the page. Only $251!

[ditda]

Thanks a lot. I'm looking at all the links, and am going to get a stock tank, for sure.

Thanks again

[kinetic]

That stockyardsupply.com is a great link. I really want one of the 1000gal tanks down at the bottom of the page. Only $251!

i know i know! once I have a place to keep it... im pretty sure that one (or at least the 300 gal) will be mine!

[DavidY]

Yea, now I need to see if I can find a local grain & feed store that carries something like that around here.