Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I have this friend who is really nice, and she has this ten year old RES she is keeping in a twenty gallon tank. It is living in about 4 inches of water with a 4inx4in basking spot with no lights and no water heater.
The thing is OBESE.It is the walter hudson of turtles.She feeds it hotdogs.I never thought I would see the day when turtles had butt cheeks, but aparently after the sox won the series anything is possible. It is about 12 inches.

I feel really bad for this creature.I sent her the link to this site and she never checked it. I gave her an extra UVB light I had, and the thing was sooo happy when I saw it yesterday. I offered to take it because I have a massive setup that could accomodate it, but it was a gift from her husband so that was a no go. I don't want to be rude or overbearing as a friend, but it kills me to see this poor turtle all cramped up and cold and fat with no lights.

Suggestions how I can delicately approach this? And yes, she will be getting a heat basking lamp for christmas.

Thanks!

1 anklebiter born 12/26/02
1 RES JFK

Honestly, I'm not sure that there is a 'nice way' of telling him/her that they are completely wrong and giving this turtle a horrible life!
Maybe you just need to come straight with them and hope for the best! good luck....
-----
~ Evie

Pets:
RIP 0.1.0 German Shepherd {Dusty}
0.1.0 German Shepherd/Collie mix {Shadoe}
0.0.2 RES turtles {Booger & Snot}
1.0.0 African Clawed Frog {Bingo}
0.0.2 Snail {Gary & Larry}

I think you are beginning to handle it the right way. You gave her an extra Basking lamp and next you should suggest a larger enclosure like a rubbermaid tub. Get excited about how cool the proper setup could be for the turtle with the filter and proper diet etc. I get the feeling she may be lazy about going to those sites to check out what needs doing but if you show her and even help her pick some of the stuff out she may go for the changes and keep the animal in the proper way.

It is always best to try and work with people and guide them as to the proper way of keeping their pet rather than condemn them and demand they surrender the animal to you or someone else. (after a long time doing turtle rescue and I can tell you you get alot further this way). Most folks (that you do not get all over but try to help) either correct the situation and then take proper care of their animal or decided it is a huge PIA to do the right thing and willingly surrender the animal. When you verbally attack someone they will usually just walk away with their animal and no one benefits. Good luck.

Steve