Hello Everyone!
I have had an RES for 4 years now, and been lurking here for everything turtle. He is my first turtle, and I still think myself pretty clueless.
Today for the first time I took him outside, and my normally skittish RES loved it. I would like to start bringing him out a couple of days a week, but I want to make sure I don't do anything wrong. I know certain plants can be toxic to them, so I will brush up on which ones those are and I probably won't let him eat the grass anyways.
I live in Upstate New York, and I will not be leaving him unattended outside. I was thinking of getting one of those plastic kiddy pool, and make a little area to bask/swim/shade. My main concern is making sure he doesn't overheat, and hawks. I honestly don't even know if hawks would normally go for an RES, so figured I should just ask. Summers here are normally 85°F - 100°F and it can be quite humid as well.
Are acceptable temperatures different outside?
Is there any signs of overheating?
General tips, or advice?
Any experience with predator birds an RES? (Creek and open fields close by, so generally we do not see them where he would be)
Basically I am super paranoid that I will do something wrong, since turtles are so unfamiliar to me. Also I want to thank everyone in this community, as you have provided me with the knowledge to take care of this little guy properly.