Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a red eared slider that is about 1/2 grown maybe 3/4. I just dont have space and money to buy bigger tanks to keep him. I was going to release him in a nearby creek. There are a few other turtles there so i think he will enjoy swimming and basking in this large creek much more than sitting at home in a tank. He does eat goldfish and minnows along with some crickets at home so i think he'll be able catch them in the wild also. I would like to mark him somehow so i might be able to find him. I dont know how to do this without hurting him. I was thinking of some acryilic based paint or somthing on his shell. I have to let him go this friday so please help fast. Thanks a lot for all comments or suggestions.

DO NOT release into the wild!!! As good intentioned as it is, it would be harmful to the natives. You could introduce disease or parasites into the natural system. Do you best to find someone who can take care of your turtle. That is the big reason that I wish people would stop breeding RES, just too many out there. As horrible as it may sound, it is better to put your animal down then to release it. Your turtle is accustomed to people feeding him/her, and will not function as well as you would think in the wild. I don't intend to sound rude, but do your best not to release the turtle.

Matt

This is against the law for many reasons. By releasing a
turtle that is not native to that area you could possibly
wipe out the total usual population. If you caught the turtle
from there it would be fine but otherwise you need to contact
either a rescue group or find someone who would be willing
to take it off your hands.

What state are you located in?

Linda

I am in the Richardson Texas area. I did not buy the turtle from a pet store. He crawled into a service bay at the Dealership where my Father works. I thought i'd take care of him since my Dad didn't know what to do with him. He was like 2 inches long at the time. Even though i didn't get him at the creek where i was planning release, I did catch him wild. will it be ok or will desease still be a problem?

Hi --

I think I may have a solution for you. http://theturtleranch.com/ Contact these folks. They are in Texas and if not near you have connections. They are real nice folks and will either be able to place your turtle or take it in.

Eventhough he was a wild animal at one time it is still ill advised to release him.

Your intentions are really good ones but unfortunately it could still have disasterous results.

Good luck

Steve

Aren't red eared sliders native to Texas? His turtle obviously came from the wild, so I don't think he'd have picked up any 'captive diseases', but I don't know.