Habitat - Outdoor :: Indoor to Outdoor

[kydiekoe]

Hello, I have my RES in an indoor tank and am giving her away to a friend who has an outdoor pond. Is there anything I need to know before we make the switch? Will there be any adjustment issues to the outdoors? Thanks!

[ellman605]

Few things will be needed to know like pond size and turtle size, also the other inhabitants of the pond.

[Terryo]

One of the most important things...temperature of the water. Make sure that the outdoor is about the same as the indoor. When I put mine outside in the Spring, I take the heater out of the tank at least a week before I put them outside. I let the tank water gradually cool down.

[SpotsMama]

Be sure there's provision for the turtle to come inside for the winter unless your friend lives in the tropics.

The area needs to be safe from predators - where no dogs or cats or racoons can get to him.

The turtle should not be able to escape from the area. You probably know what good escape artists turtles are.

If the pond is a large, natural pond, I hope your friend knows that his new turtle cannot fend for himself like a wild turtle. He will expect someone to feed him good quality pellets and will always think of people as his friends.