Hi folks. I'm new here but I have a question about my slider, Bob. Bob is a 6-7 year old female slider who is currently living in a 30g long aquarium. She has a basking light, nesting area, all the fun stuff turtles want and need. While she doesn't seem crowded in the tank, my husband and I would feel better if we could put her in something bigger. We don't have the space for another aquarium right now but we do have the space for a pond outside in our yard. We've found a terrific deal on a 170g pond which I think would be perfect for her. Issues of keeping her in the yard aside (we've got it covered) how safe would it be to move her from her warm, predictable, heated and lit aquarium to a pond outside? We live in the southeast and while winters can be pretty brutal (well, for me anyway) we don't get a lot of snow and don't have many really freezing days. Would she be ok out there? Should we heat the pond?
She's been with us for about 5 years now so she's definitely used to her aquarium and it's always heated to keep the water temperature even year round. Her basking area is similarly regulated. Would it be a shock to her if we moved her out there during the summer? What would happen when winter gets here, will she be able to hibernate? Does she still know how? LOL
Sorry for all the questions. I've got it covered as far as indoor habitats go, but outdoor has me a bit confused so I appreciate your clarification and knowledge in advance
K