We do not encourage anyone to take wild turtles or tortoises unless it is strictly for the safety and well being of the animal. The animal should be brought to an appropriate organization or be administered the correct veterinary care.
Organizations that re-locate, re-home or rescue turtles are also places where you should easily find a RES to adopt. Most RES that are available for adoption are 4" or larger. Many times people discover the turtles can achieve up to 12" in length and decide to get rid of them. People also often realize that proper care is more complicated or expensive that they wish it to be and decide to give up their turtles. We have provided a list of rescues and re-homing organizations, please
click here.
The widespread trade of RES also makes them easily available from other keepers. Checking the classified ads or papers could help you locate an unwanted turtle. This allows an opportunity to get food, supplies and hardware from the previous owner. Please be aware that these turtles may not have received the proper care recommended and may lack the required equipment.
Comment: Do not register on Turtle Talk for the sole purpose of turtle adoption or re-homing. We are not staffed for this purpose.
Related Topics:
Adoption & Re-homing links,
Releasing Turtles
Captive RES are also readily available elsewhere. Breeders often advertise through classified ads, trade shows and through herpetological organizations. Breeders may be able to offer you additional assistance regarding your turtle if the need arises.
Comment: Beware of purchasing hatchlings that originate from a “farm”. These hatchlings are easy to find, acquire and are inexpensive. They may even be offered for free, though there usually is a fee of some nature. This is strictly a way for a seller to profit and to utilize legal loopholes. These turtles, which often are the size of a quarter, are usually sold by anyone that IS NOT a breeder. It is not uncommon for farmed hatchlings to have an infection or illness, or increased risk of, due to improper habitat conditions and hygiene information.
Note: This site does not allow any linking of neither breeder nor anyone promoting the sale of live animals. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Related Topics:
Adoption & Re-homing links,
Releasing Turtles
Habitat loss and nesting activity increases the chances you might meet a wild RES. There are possible scenarios in which you may encounter a wild RES and wish to take action. Any action is optional. For instance, it is up to you if you want to help a nest survive since most wild nests do not. The RES is not an endangered or threatened species and you may decide to let nature decide what happens. I do recommend helping an injured turtle since there are options to offer care. Do be careful when handling wild animals. There is no reason to expect them to be hospitable and they may be even more dangerous if injured. Please think ahead and take every measure to be careful.
Local laws vary and it may be illegal for you to remove it from the wild. If you have captured a wild RES, you should release it immediately. Wild animals do not adapt well to captivity despite your intentions. Captive RES are readily available.
Related Topics:
Adoption & Re-homing links,
Releasing Turtles
