Right now, I've decided against adding snakes to a topless enclosure, even though I think I could pull it off, by spending about 3x the money, and then would have a very limited species choice (very small ones that don't generally climb well, no plants around the walls, smooth walls, etc) to choose from.

I know that there has to be a balance between function and reality, to create a habitat for species from different parts of the world, and besides desert, humid/semi-tropical water, and land turtles and tortoises, as well as the pathogens argument that has been said for many years mixing species, I think that could be overcome, but also at a greater expense, of both money, time, and space, by building several mini ecosystems in one enclosure, but there is still the problem with box turtles or tortoises possibly drowning in the pond. I want the animals to be as close to 100% safe as can be.

So, after a lot of thought, and some general ideas from others, I think I will stick to tortoises of the same general size in one enclosure, and water turtles in a completely different enclosure, with no snakes or box turtles right now. I guess the top could be managed, but I have no idea how to cover a huge enclosure. So, if you have any ideas about that, let me know.

Spotted turtles.. Yes, I've noticed that almost all spotted turtles available right now are 05 hatchlings, and I really don't want to wait 2-3 years or more before putting them in the pond. As an alternative, I wouldn't mind getting some map turtles. Every one says they aren't shy, but the one I used to have was super shy. I had it in one of those kiddie pools, put some bricks in it to bask, and some hyacinth for hiding and such, and if it heard or seen any thing, it would dive into the water and not come out. Unfortunately, the pool collapsed after about a year, and the turtles ran away.

thanks again

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