Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 RES that I keep inside all the time. I feel bad for them because I know the natural sunlight is really good for them. I've taken them outside a few times but they seemed really nervous because they aren't used to it. I even got them a big turtle shaped sandbox that I filled with water and rocks. I'm just really scared that a bird will try to eat one of my babies. I guess I'm just wondering if it's okay that my turtles don't see much of the real sun.

I have read that if you can provide 30 minutes of real sunlight per week that you won't need a UVB light. The real sun is that much better. I suggest doing both to be on the safe side. Your turtles are probably just a little anxious in their new pool, do they have a basking spot there? Take them out when you can spend 30 minutes watching them and then you won't have to worry about predators. Just a suggestion...

Nancy

I started taking my turts out a few times this year...it was the first time I had a yard since having them!! The move from the aquarium to the kiddie pool seems stressful on them....any suggestions on how you get them from the one spot to another without completely freaking them out??
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~walnut~
Turtle Pics
1 Dog- Mollianna Mae
1 Cat- Macey Montana
2 Red Eared Sliders- Gator and No-No
2 Beta- Swamp and Swims
4 Fish- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Add something to the pool that was previously in the tank. I make "caves" from either Gladware or Tupperware containers with a short side cut out and a rock on top of the container (I leave the lids on for extra support) or for larger turtles a small plastic stepping stool with a rock on top. If these are in the tank for a few weeks with the turtles, then transferred to the pool, the turtles will feel safer and more at home. Lots of artificial plants help them feel secure, too. Try artificial silk plants from the dollar store - just rinse well before adding to the turtle enclosure.

Katrina

Outside thirty minutes once a week being enough to keep turtles healthy doesn't sound right to me. That's better than no sunlight but I don't think that is enough. Thirty minutes per day would be better but probably still not enough. Build a wire fence with a top around the pool to keep predators out. Yes, turtles are going to be scared when moved to new surroundings but they get used to it. Putting some floating plants like hornwort or anacharis in the pool will give them something to hide under and also provide a snack. Use rocks or something for a basking area too. Small pools can over heat easily in hot weather so have a thermometer and check the temp. May need to put the pool in partial shade.
water turtle care sheet

I would suggest that you acquire UVB lighting if you haven't already, because it is very important. I have seen turtles that were kept long term without full spectrum lighting and you can definately see the difference between the ones that have access to UVB lighting. Although I have seen exceptions. Some turtle keepers say that you don't need it for hatchlings if they have a proper diet, and some say you do. Some turtles really need it, while some can do with out it, but RES's definately need it. You can feed your turtles in the kiddy pool to try to calm them down. One thing that I have learned while keeping turtles is that "TURTLES ARE PIGS". My turtles would always panic when I would put them in a container while cleaning their tanks out, but then I started throwing food in and they would forget about being a nervous wreck and go straight for the food. I even have a turtle that will eat while its flipped over on its back. I put him on his back gently and then throw food in the container its in, and it will only care about eating. It won't flip itself on its plastron until he knows that there's no more food. If you take your hatchlings outside for some sun, do not leave them alone unless you are sure they can't be reached by other predators. It only takes a second for him to be lunch for something else.

Joel