My Turtles are Arriving Tomorrow

[RJM62]

Sadly, my turtle died last week after a long bout with a chronic respiratory infection.

After burial at sea (well, actually, the East River) and an appropriate period of mourning, I've ordered two hatchling Southern Painted Turtles, who will become the stars of an online educational exhibit. I think they're a better choice for beginning turtle enthusiasts than the more common Red-Eared Slider because the Southerns are smaller as adults (they rarely grow more than five inches in carapace length) and so don't require as large a habitat; they're somewhat more active (and hence less boring) as adults; and they're very friendly as reptiles go.

Red-eared sliders are wonderful, hardy turtles. But too many of them wind up living unhappy adult lives in too-small tanks, or being abandoned or released into ponds (where they either die or disrupt the local ecosystem), simply because of their large adult size. Almost invariably, they were acquired illegally as hatchlings by people who had no idea how big they would get. (The sale of turtles of less than four inches in carapace diameter as pets is illegal, but common. Sale of hatchling and juvenile turtles to and between hobbyists, breeders, educators, zoos and other exhibitors, etc. is legal.)

I think encouraging the Southern Painted Turtle may help reduce the RES abandonment problem a little bit. They're a little more expensive (though not terribly so), but more suitable for most beginners, I think.

Attached is a picture of what will be their new home until they get bigger. I'll get some video after they arrive and acclimate.

-Rich

 

[rottydaddy]

Cool stuff... never had turtles around the house, but as a kid growing up near woods, I was constantly hunting for them. We'd catch 'em, check 'em out, then let 'em go. Box turtles, wood turtles, and snappers.

 

[RJM62]

I had one as a child, but I never really learned how to take care of them. Then I took my goddaughter's turtle a couple of years ago and eventually got attached to it, and I learned a lot about caring for turtles in the process -- especially when the turtle became ill. I have a friend who's a herpetologist who has been teaching and encouraging me.

But the turtle was always sickly. It was way undersized for its age. It recovered from pneumonia, but not fully apparently; and it wound up dying after a long bout with some sort of bacterial RTI that never became pneumonia, but didn't respond to any of the antibiotics that were tried, either.

I'm eagerly awaiting my new friends' arrival. I have found an excellent herp vet not far from me, the breeder is reputable, and the habitat has everything that SPT hatchlings need from the start. Temps, lighting, water quality, everything is what it should be. So I'm optimistic that the turtles will do well.

-Rich

 

[steingar]

Chrysemys picta dorsalis? I love turtles as well. Your habitat looks superb, but I would recommend an undergravel filter for it. They're relatively inexpensive to construct and will deal with all the sloughed skin and scat and such. I wouldn't feel too bad about the recently departed, chelonians have complex respiratory systems that are prone to infection and difficult to clear.

I had a Red-footed tortoise for many years (Geochelone carbonaria) who passed away not that long ago. I kept aquatic turtles in my youth, my favorites were Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) which I could catch back in the day, and spotted pond turtles (Clemys guttata) which are sadly threatened and endangered over much of their range. Wood turtles are the smartest non-mammal things I've ever seen.

I have been informed by my loving spouse that our dining room is now a chelonian free zone (it used to house Grundy the tortoise). I don't think I'd have another turtle or tortoise if it wasn't downstairs, I just don't get upstairs enough to give a turtle the proper attention. And there is something really wonderful about setting aside some of the veggies you're chopping to give to the turtle. Good luck.

 

[Lawreston]

The Harley and I were traveling along a country road not far from my house. In the middle of the road was a beauty of a turtle, 10-12" long at the shell. I stopped to observe its condition and picked a thick piece of straw from the side of the road. Holding it close to the turtle's mouth --Clomp -- and a shorter piece of straw -- snapper. And there was a crack in its shell.

I went home to fetch a blueberry box and went back to rescue(?) the turtle which had, obviously, been hit by a motor vehicle while the turtle was crossing to a wet field. After taking it to my favorite vet., Dr. Ray said that whatever(I've forgotten) its other injuries it would have crawled off and slowly died. Ray gave it a "final" injection. I cried.

HR

 

[rottydaddy]

The Harley and I were traveling along a country road not far from my house. In the middle of the road was a beauty of a turtle, 10-12" long at the shell. I stopped to observe its condition and picked a thick piece of straw from the side of the road. Holding it close to the turtle's mouth --Clomp -- and a shorter piece of straw -- snapper. And there was a crack in its shell.

I went home to fetch a blueberry box and went back to rescue(?) the turtle which had, obviously, been hit by a motor vehicle while the turtle was crossing to a wet field. After taking it to my favorite vet., Dr. Ray said that whatever(I've forgotten) its other injuries it would have crawled off and slowly died. Ray gave it a "final" injection. I cried.

HR

You wouldn't have felt so bad for it if you'd hit it with the bike!

They are definitely at a disadvantage on roads... I remember finding a wood turtle (pretty rare sight even then in my area) on the railroad tracks, struggling to climb over a rail (and not realizing he had another rail to overcome before crossing, LOL). I helped him across, knowing too well what a train would do to a turtle.

 

[Laurie]

I've never had a turtle, however I have adopted several from the Marine Life Center in Juno Beach which is down the road from my house. Every couple weeks when I'm home I go and visit the rescued turtles and usually drop off a donation for 'my' turtle Boo, a loggerhead, who was rescued after a boat prop strike on Halloween.

 

[RJM62]

Chrysemys picta dorsalis? I love turtles as well. Your habitat looks superb, but I would recommend an undergravel filter for it. They're relatively inexpensive to construct and will deal with all the sloughed skin and scat and such. I wouldn't feel too bad about the recently departed, chelonians have complex respiratory systems that are prone to infection and difficult to clear.

I had a Red-footed tortoise for many years (Geochelone carbonaria) who passed away not that long ago. I kept aquatic turtles in my youth, my favorites were Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) which I could catch back in the day, and spotted pond turtles (Clemys guttata) which are sadly threatened and endangered over much of their range. Wood turtles are the smartest non-mammal things I've ever seen.

I have been informed by my loving spouse that our dining room is now a chelonian free zone (it used to house Grundy the tortoise). I don't think I'd have another turtle or tortoise if it wasn't downstairs, I just don't get upstairs enough to give a turtle the proper attention. And there is something really wonderful about setting aside some of the veggies you're chopping to give to the turtle. Good luck.

Thanks. I appreciate that. And my condolences on your tortoise.

I was thinking about the undergravel filter, but I wonder if that would be a problem with the Fluorite substrate. It raises a lot of dust when it's disturbed. I think I'd have to filter the return water to get the dust out of it. Not that it would be that hard to do... I could just stick a floss filter in the return line somewhere.

I figure I'll have to upgrade the tank size in six to twelve months, at which time I'll move to a canister-type filter. I'm using a 20-Long for now. It was tempting to go with a bigger tank from the start to save money, but I don't want the hatchlings to be invisible in the video. So I'll have to upgrade twice, most likely, during their lifetimes.

I already have the next tank picked out: It's actually a 40-gallon watertight reptile tank, and its aspect ratio is such that it's lower than a 40-gallon aquarium tank and has a bigger footprint, so it has more surface area. That will give them more swimming room with less wasted space at the top. $99.00 at PetSmart (unless someone on craigslist is selling one cheaper, which is how I got the 20-Long).

Once I upgrade, then the UGF is a no-brainer. I can just pass the return water lines into the canister filter.

But I'll do the UGF before then if needed once the hatchlings acclimate. Like I said, the Fluorite raises a lot of dust, and it takes the filter a few hours to clear it. Once they recover from their journey, I can put them in another tank for a few hours if need be.

I am approaching this as perhaps the most serious project I've undertaken in years. I have spent the past week doing little other than tweaking things (especially the lighting and heating) to get everything perfect.

I've agonized over lamp placements to get the right lighting, UVB exposure levels, and air temps; I've experimented with heater combinations and placement to get the right water temp throughout the tank (there are three thermometers); I've researched every plant I put in the tank (as well as the substrate, which comes highly recommended despite its dustiness); and I've experimented with half a dozen different filter media (the standard Aqua Clear cartridges are inadequate, but a half-inch layer of either floss or Marineland bonded filter pad between the sponge and the charcoal makes a huge difference).

I also have the whole setup on a timer in case I have to work late (or early), and a battery backup capable of running the heat lamp and one of the water heaters (which should be enough if the water is already at proper temp) for six hours is on order. I've found that the heat lamp alone will keep the air at 87 degrees F. (They want 90 for hatchlings, but running two lamps would drain the battery too quickly; and I've been told by a herpetologist that a few hours at 87 won't hurt them a bit. The 90 degree number is for optimal growth, not mere survival.) I even have a schedule for reducing the temperatures a degree every two weeks once they reach silver-dollar size.

So yeah, I'm approaching this pretty seriously, LOL.

Thanks again,

Rich

 

[RJM62]

The Harley and I were traveling along a country road not far from my house. In the middle of the road was a beauty of a turtle, 10-12" long at the shell. I stopped to observe its condition and picked a thick piece of straw from the side of the road. Holding it close to the turtle's mouth --Clomp -- and a shorter piece of straw -- snapper. And there was a crack in its shell.

I went home to fetch a blueberry box and went back to rescue(?) the turtle which had, obviously, been hit by a motor vehicle while the turtle was crossing to a wet field. After taking it to my favorite vet., Dr. Ray said that whatever(I've forgotten) its other injuries it would have crawled off and slowly died. Ray gave it a "final" injection. I cried.

HR

This happens at JFK once in a while:

http://gothamist.com/2009/07/08/turtle_power_closes_jfk_runway.php

-Rich

 

[Geico266]

Turtles have been a favorite critter of mine forever. I've had several painted turtles I would keep during the summer and release them in the fall. I have kept several over winter also.

Every year I rescue painted & box turtles from the roads around here. I throw them in my pickup and release them in the nearest pond. Pretty amazing reptiles.

 

[alindsay]

This happens at JFK once in a while:

http://gothamist.com/2009/07/08/turtle_power_closes_jfk_runway.php

-Rich

A couple of years ago I almost hit a turtle at 3CK in Northern IL. It was crossing the runway.

I radioed the FBO and theline guys were afraid to pick it up to get it off the runway. I finally landed and moved it myself.

It did sound weird reporting to others in the pattern that a turtle was on the runway.

 

[SCCutler]

A couple of years ago I almost hit a turtle at 3CK in Northern IL. It was crossing the runway.

I radioed the FBO and theline guys were afraid to pick it up to get it off the runway. I finally landed and moved it myself.

It did sound weird reporting to others in the pattern that a turtle was on the runway.

"Afraid to pick it up..."

Tell 'em to man-up a litlte!

 

[steingar]

Thanks. I appreciate that. And my condolences on your tortoise.

I was thinking about the undergravel filter, but I wonder if that would be a problem with the Fluorite substrate. It raises a lot of dust when it's disturbed. I think I'd have to filter the return water to get the dust out of it. Not that it would be that hard to do... I could just stick a floss filter in the return line somewhere.

Actually, I wasn't thinking about hatchlings. A couple baby turtles in a 20 long wont' raise enough dirt to worry about.

I figure I'll have to upgrade the tank size in six to twelve months, at which time I'll move to a canister-type filter. I'm using a 20-Long for now. It was tempting to go with a bigger tank from the start to save money, but I don't want the hatchlings to be invisible in the video. So I'll have to upgrade twice, most likely, during their lifetimes.

Doesn't sound too bad. And the old tanks never go away. I've got a couple in my basement.

I already have the next tank picked out: It's actually a 40-gallon watertight reptile tank, and its aspect ratio is such that it's lower than a 40-gallon aquarium tank and has a bigger footprint, so it has more surface area. That will give them more swimming room with less wasted space at the top. $99.00 at PetSmart (unless someone on craigslist is selling one cheaper, which is how I got the 20-Long).

Wow, good on you! I never had anything more than fish tanks, which were never ideal for turtles.

Once I upgrade, then the UGF is a no-brainer. I can just pass the return water lines into the canister filter.

But I'll do the UGF before then if needed once the hatchlings acclimate. Like I said, the Fluorite raises a lot of dust, and it takes the filter a few hours to clear it. Once they recover from their journey, I can put them in another tank for a few hours if need be.

Sorry, I don't even know what flourite is, unless its calcium flourite.

I am approaching this as perhaps the most serious project I've undertaken in years. I have spent the past week doing little other than tweaking things (especially the lighting and heating) to get everything perfect.

Again good on you. Just remember its supposed to be fun.

I've agonized over lamp placements to get the right lighting, UVB exposure levels, and air temps; I've experimented with heater combinations and placement to get the right water temp throughout the tank (there are three thermometers); I've researched every plant I put in the tank (as well as the substrate, which comes highly recommended despite its dustiness); and I've experimented with half a dozen different filter media (the standard Aqua Clear cartridges are inadequate, but a half-inch layer of either floss or Marineland bonded filter pad between the sponge and the charcoal makes a huge difference).

Keep in mindr, these are relatively hardy chelonians. You shouldn't have to invent the space station for them.

I also have the whole setup on a timer in case I have to work late (or early), and a battery backup capable of running the heat lamp and one of the water heaters (which should be enough if the water is already at proper temp) for six hours is on order. I've found that the heat lamp alone will keep the air at 87 degrees F. (They want 90 for hatchlings, but running two lamps would drain the battery too quickly; and I've been told by a herpetologist that a few hours at 87 won't hurt them a bit. The 90 degree number is for optimal growth, not mere survival.) I even have a schedule for reducing the temperatures a degree every two weeks once they reach silver-dollar size.

So yeah, I'm approaching this pretty seriously, LOL.

Thanks again,

Rich

Timers are a good idea, as turtles have a distinct circadian rhythms, and will get used to your schedule. When I had larger turtles I often used a feeding bucket, especially for live or messy foods like goldfish or liver, to cut own the debris in the tank. Sounds like you're doing major diligence, good luck.

 

[Geico266]

It did sound weird reporting to others in the pattern that a turtle was on the runway.

No kidding! That would have been a classic. Did you call flight services and report it as a PIREP?

 

[gkainz]

interesting thread - about the only turtle stuff I got involved with was when my boys where into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle stuff ...

 

[RJM62]

They have arrived! One took to the water right away, the other seems a little tired after the arduous journey via air freight (although it did swim for a while, which is a good sign). Maybe it had trouble with TSA at the airport.

I'll have a video uploaded to YouTube in a few minutes.

-Rich

 

[RJM62]

Actually, I wasn't thinking about hatchlings. A couple baby turtles in a 20 long wont' raise enough dirt to worry about.

....

Sorry, I don't even know what flourite is, unless its calcium flourite.

It's a mined, clay substrate widely used by aquatic plant enthusiasts. I found it repeatedly recommended for planted turtle tanks.

-Rich

 

[steingar]

They have arrived! One took to the water right away, the other seems a little tired after the arduous journey via air freight (although it did swim for a while, which is a good sign). Maybe it had trouble with TSA at the airport.

I'll have a video uploaded to YouTube in a few minutes.

-Rich

Cute little guys. Of course, wash your hands after handling them, as just about all reptiles and birds carry Salmonella. I assume they came from a breeder, given the time of year. Congrats, I hope you enjoy your new little pals. Might convince Mrs. Steingar to allow me to put anther in the dining room, since I do like them. If I ever get an aquatic one again I'll be on the lookout for the kind of tank you described. Sounds like an awesome idea.

 

[RJM62]

Cute little guys. Of course, wash your hands after handling them, as just about all reptiles and birds carry Salmonella. I assume they came from a breeder, given the time of year. Congrats, I hope you enjoy your new little pals. Might convince Mrs. Steingar to allow me to put anther in the dining room, since I do like them. If I ever get an aquatic one again I'll be on the lookout for the kind of tank you described. Sounds like an awesome idea.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, PetSmart doesn't have that tank on their Web site, but I think it's this one.

The video is still processing, but it can be found here. Sorry about the low quality. My camcorder is missing, so I had to use the video mode on my still camera, which isn't very good (max resolution 320x240). I have a hunch where my camcorder went, but we won't get into that right now... I finally got over the last set of resentments about her, and I don't need any new ones.

However, I stopped at Rite-Aid for green tea a few minutes ago (after the video was shot, unfortunately), and they had a digital camcorder on clearance for $25.00, with 640x480 resolution. Nothing fancy, but it seems to work pretty well for YouTube kind of stuff. I'll test it more thoroughly tomorrow. (It'll give me an excuse to video the turtles some more.)

-Rich

 

[RJM62]

Hmmm... somehow that video got mixed up with an older one... on a different account. I'll have to fix that and upload it again.

 

[RJM62]

Okay, here's the correct video link. I inadvertently appended an old video file.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpGeZ_4pEbg

-Rich