Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been away from the board for some time but wanted to show my respects for our female ornate Jasmine. She had been with us for 2 1/2 years along with our old friend Rex in the outdoor enclosure. We always let the turts hibernate outside and just add big leaf piles to aid their natural instincts. Rex has been with us a few years and has the routine down. He has his favorite spot and hibernates there each year. Jas had made the prior years just fine but alas when spring hit, she didn't make it this year. Sad for us and I think sad for Rex too.

Goodbye Jasmine and I hope you were happy and comfortable while you were with us.

On the bright side, Rex our wild rescue is as fat and healthy as ever. He is so tame it isn't even funny these days. Not only will he eat right out of our hand but he will come to us like a puppy when we stand in one side of the enclosure. He even tolerates our dog that loves to look thru the fence at him.

I'm debating getting Rex another girlfriend but am torn because it seems pen raised turtles are just not as hardy as wild ones but I will not take a turtle out of the wild. So I guess Rex will just have to be a bachelor unless fate brings another ornate female our way.

I'm very sorry to hear about Jasmine.
It sounds like Rex is doing well, though, which is good news!

I'm so sorry. I had a frog who didn't make it through hibernation last year. I really think of hibernation as a dangerous time for critters. I also had a little boxie die recently, so I feel your pain.
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Robins Critters
1.0 Corn snake Jack Skellington
1.1 Hog Island Boas Harley & Isaboa
0.1 Albino Sonoran Gopher Snake Jasmine
1.0 South American Boa Elvis
0.1 Western Hognose Addy the Adder
1.0 Tricolor Hognose Yoshi
1.3 Leopard Geckos Yoda, Geo, Tang, Ginger
1.2 Crested Geckos Fox, Peek & Boo
1.0 Blue Tongue Skink Indigo
0.0.1 Eastern Box Turtle Yurtle
0.1 Pacman Frog Buffy the Cricket Slayer
0.0.1 Sulawesi Red Toad Mr. Toad
0.2 Tiger Salamanders Tiger & Sally
1.1.3 Firebelly Newts Wayne Newton, Isaac Newton, Fig Newton, Olivia Newton John & Thandie Newton
1.1 Cats Gus & Mena

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I would like to encourage you with something, though. "Pen raised", or captive bred turtles can be VERY hardy. In my experience, they are usually hardier than wild-caught or rescued. It comes down to the source. You sound like a caring individual that enjoys having turtles. I'm glad that you are going to refrain from removing a turtle from the wild. Don't completely rule out captive bred turtles if you really feel like you'd like a mate for your male. Also, I'm sure that there are turtles sitting in rescue organizations waiting for good homes. You may have to deal with special needs, but it sounds like you're already doing that. Thanks for the post.

thanks for the encouragement. I may try another captive raised female so Rex doesn't have to be lonely. I guess I am just spoiled because Rex is such a healthy guy. Eats right out of our hands and seems really well adjusted to his outdoor enclosure.