Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need help! I live In oklahoma, and have 2 res.I was wondering if I could keep my turtles in an outdoor inground pond.If so then how big should it be.and what other features should it include.

Ps. they are both about 3 years old, 1 male & 1 female

heck yes! outdoor housing is almost always preferrable to indoor. it eliminates the need for a UVB light (sunlight has all they need to harden their shells). you can give them a much bigger swimming area = more exercise and freedom. i would think that you should build it with the future in mind...RES get large (10-12" long) and need lots of space. maybe 12x12' and at least 3-4' deep as they need this depth for hibernation in winter. i have to enlarge my pond from 8'4. it was great for hatchlings, but mine are 4yrs old now and need more space.
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

Thanks for the reply! I was wondering if i should put sand around the pond for the female to bury her eggs in. and if it would be Ok to keep the baby sliders in the pond.

a huge size difference between turtles can be dangerous to the small ones. do you have a kiddy pool for the hatchlings? also, make sure the pond has a basking area. sand should be fine on the fringe of the pond.
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

Thanks again! I have two 20 Gallon Aquariums Could I raise the babies in there. And do you think a 500 Gal pond would work for the adults. and what kind of plants would be benificial for them.

500 gal. sounds good, its hard for me to visualize it though...make sure it has a deep end minimum 3.5' deep. they can winter in it then. i have found that they LOVE water hyacinth. mine eat it like candy.
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

How much sunlight should My two turtles need, and what kind of shape would be good for a turtle pond.and could someone show me a pic of their pond. I also want to know if I need a de-icer for the winter.

about an hour of sunllight a day should do (from previous research). my pond is kidney shaped, but if you are creative you can come up w/lots of ideas. leave a basking area available to use. i would say NO to the de-icer, i have never needed it, but i am in the south and we don't get much. but they have weathered the two weeks per year of frozen water fine for three yrs. now.
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

Could you tell me how big your pond is. and what kind of filter and pump would wok good.Also what type of liner would be best.

again, my pond is 8x4', about 36" deep on one end and 12" deep on the other. i used a used liner from my father, so i don't know what the "best" liner is. don't go for perfection your first time, just build it! i don't use a filter, i overflow my pond 1-2 times a week with a hose. cheapest filter i know of. natural exchange of water (my water is from a well). you can always improve upon your first pond later...go ahead and dig you a hole, man. one tip: before you put the liner in the ground, line the hole with about 1/2 - 1" of newspaper. it will, over time, break down to create a second waterproof barrier in case your liner gets cut or damaged.
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"If we are good only because we fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
-Albert Einstein

Thanks for all the help! I guess its time to start digging.

Here is a pic of my turtle pond. My turtles love arrow head plants and cattails 2. Have fun its a lot of work to dig.

This is my RES pond

http://www.turtleforum.com

Here is the link

http://www.geocities.com/wem1951/pond_construction.html