Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a painted turtle that I obtained from the wild as a hatchling. He is about 4 or 5 years old now, but a real pain to care for. Would it be OK to release him back where I found him after being with me for so long? I recall a time where I fed him fish after being in captivity for two years and never seeing a fish, and he chased them down.

No, I wouldn't let him go after so much time in captivity. Try to find him a home. Would you be willing to send him DHL? Someone might like him. Can we see a picture?

J.L.

Well my vet did say it would be ok to release him....I have never shipped any live animals anywhere so I probably would not be willing to risk his life. Sorry about that. As for the picture, I have one but it isnt a great pic. I was stupid enough to pull off his scutes a few years back, thinking he was supposed to shed them, but he's healing nicely now and still acts like the crazy little turtle he's always been, begging for food and basking all the time.

>>Well my vet did say it would be ok to release him....

Can I get the name and phone number of your vet, Id like to report him.
-----
_____

iturnrocks.com

Report my vet for what? My vet has done nothing wrong,,,

>>Report my vet for what? My vet has done nothing wrong,,,

Your vet reccomended releasing a pet turtle into the wild. Although your turtle will most likely survive, the microorganisms he has picked up in captivity will most likely cause an agonizing death to the wild turtles he comes in contact with. Some people dont have a problem killing wild turtles, but a vet should know better.
-----
_____

iturnrocks.com

He has collected no microorganisms in captivity. He has been kept by himself for his whole entire life. I don't see why there would be a problem with releasing him. It's perfectly OK to release a reptile when kept in captivity for a month. I know this is a huge difference in time, but again, I do not believe he has collected any microorganisms in captivity. Look, I have red-eared sliders inroduced in my area...how do you think they got there!?!?! Obviously from some irresponsible yet meaningful owners. I do not notice any effects of 'microorganisms' on the endemic painteds, redbellies, and snappers...

Please do NOT release this turtle into the wild. There are many reasons, one being that it just might be (and probably is) illegal. PLEASE read this article for a good explanation as to why it is a VERY BAD idea. www.anapsid.org/release.html. This site also has a link to herp rescues by state. Perhaps you have one near you.

I know you said your vet said it's OK but he is misguided in this. Your turtle would not have natural immunities to organisms that wild turtles have nor would they to ones that he might have. It's a very delicate balance of nature thing.

Perhaps there is somebody on the board who lives close enough to you to take him in. If you let us know what state you are in that would help.