Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My friend gave me a RES turtle yesterday and I honestly don't know where to begin. I don't know what to buy, how many times to feed it, what filter or if I need a filter, if I need a tank or just keep it in the plastic container it came in, etc.

From what I've been reading today, I believe it's illegal to have one so small or am I wrong?

I need some advise. Thank you for your time.

Amarah

It is illegal to SELL turtles this size. It is not illegal
to own one which is given to you. Go to the top
of this page and click on care sheets. I am sure you will
find good info here. A small plastic container is not what
you want to keep it in.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions after
doing some research.

Linda

I hope your ready for a committment. Owning a turlte isn't that easy. It's fun but its not like owning a cat where you basically feed and that's it. A turtle is like a messy fish but simply cooler lol. Turtles can produce a lot of waste that you will constantly need to tend to them. Of course this is when they're young. By 5-6 years old, you will feed them less and they will be fun to have around! (as they are when they are young too, but you have to feed them more)

Basically look at Austin's Turtle Page for care info. I can simply say you'll need two things that are essential. A large tank and a submerssible heater. This heater will be 15-25 dollars... get it so you can submerse it all the way in the water. Have the temperature about 75-80 degrees.

The tank you'll need should at least by a long 20/29 gallon tank. I figure if you can, the bigger the better, so buy a 55 gallon if you can afford it.

A filter is necessary and so is other stuff but those are the first 2 you'll need right off the bat. Get him to eat turtle food or others.. just look on the caresheet for everything you need.