anyone know if you can keep koi and western painted turtles in same backyard pond without passing on any disease to one another or cause any damage to each other. i was told the turtles can pass something in their waste harmful to my large koi? anyone know?
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painted turtles & koi pond
leshuis
Apr 16, 2005 01:09 PM
Replies (3)
joeysgreen
Apr 20, 2005 02:59 AM
The largest concern would be keeping the pond clean as adding turtles greatly increases the waste load. Also if in an area where you have to bring the animals in for the winter then housing the turtles inside will be an additional task.
PHLaure
Apr 20, 2005 10:59 PM
I would worry about the turtles thinking the koi were lunch.
woodturtle
Apr 21, 2005 08:57 PM
I have had koi and western painteds together now for over 7 years and have not experienced any problems. Normal maintanence should take care of any bacteria. I am sure with koi you have a pretty good filtration system anyway. The koi should be safe from predation. The turtles will much prefer the fish food over the actual fish, and any painted that could catch and eat a koi would be a monster!!! The winter time should be fine as long as the pond does not freeze solid. If the fish can swim, the turtles are ok.
