Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last Saturday I found this little guy in my backyard. He's been coming out almost every morning to walk around and do whatever it is that turtles do.

So far I've been letting him roam free because he seems healthy and I don't have any dogs or cats.

What kind of turtle is he? Should I give him any food or water?

I live in Southern California, and figure he must be an escaped/released pet from one of my neighbors.

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This is a red eared slider. It needs to have a body of water to swim around in. They are only able to eat in water. So if you don't get him into water he will dehydrate and/or starve to death.

They are not native to CA. So this is just a turtle that somebody dumped or that got away from someone.

Don't release it into a pond. Get him set up in a tank or an outdoor goldfish pond or something. Or find him a home. You can go to the Red eared slider forum to get the info. you need on a proper setup for him.

Steve

Thank you!

The next time he comes out, I'll capture him and get him a good home.

I already have a kingsnake, so it looks like I'm about to have a new pet turtle.

Take her in, she's not a native species. She's a red ear slider and probably an escaped turtle; you can call up Turtle Love Ranch and they'll take her and get her a new home if you don't want her. She will grow very large, 12" long and need expesnive things.

http://www.turtleloveranch.com/

they will pick her up.