Habitat - Outdoor :: Bringing your Turtle Outside?

[Peva]

It's very hot out today, and was wondering if it was ok to bring my turtle out on the lawn for some real sun. Can someone fill me in on the requirements of temperature and anything else I need to know?

[steve]

Air temp should be around 75F and they should have a shaded area if it wants it. The most important thing for you is how you plan to keep an eye on it and keeping it away from other pets.

[Peva]

Yes, the way I envisioned it would be...Take her outside, put her on the lawn with a plate of water near a tree, and keep my eye on her at all times.

[steve]

I would strongly recommend a barrier of some kind. When I first started taking my turtles outside, I used heavy cardboard and made it into a temporary fence. I now use thin plywood that I can fold up. These are just temporary barriers, it wouldn't stop a bird, dog or cat from getting at them and they could even escape if they dig or squeeze under. It's just really hard to keep them outside and watch them every second.

[Peva]

Ok, I'll keep that in mind. I would always keep her on my Patio, but then there's no grass...

[richieboy]

I wonder how a small kiddie pool would do. Maybe for an hr or two if I'm sitting outside. There'd be no filter so I'd probably refill it most of the time. Other than waiting for it to cool down would an hour or two of swimming in chlorinated water a couple times a week be bad enough?

[yankeefan]

I'm planning on using a kiddie pool also. Though I've yet to do anything, I'm thinking that I'll put the pool out in the yard on a nice warm and sunny day, fill it with a few inches of water and then toss in a couple of concrete patio blocks for a basking area. Then I'm thinking I'll cover a portion of the pool with a piece of plywood or even cardboard so there will be a shaded area if the turtle wants it.

Of course I'll wait for the water temp to reach the right levels and then I think I'll be able to put Robinson in the pool for a few hours so he can enjoy the summer sun. I think the kiddie pool will work well. Once I actually implement my ideas, I'll take a picture or two to share with everyone.

What do you think? I'm always open to better ideas or suggestions.

[sflemin2]

I think the chlorine will evaporate if you will it up a few hour before..plus it will give the water time to warm up