my turtle spends all day in a cage. i can't help but think that it must be boring for him. i was wondering would it be ok to let him out in the grass to get out a bit. (I would be watching him of course)
2006-07-19 20:34:56 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Yes, taking it outside is excellent because it allows the turtle to absorb the natural UV light, which is 100 times better than the best artificial UV light. Just make sure it is safe and does not get away and also it does not overheat. These are too common mistakes, which I have learned too well over the years.
Provide access to water, shallow pan or conatiner where it can bathe. It can still soak up the rays while it is in the water.
Enjoy!
2006-07-20 03:11:23 · answer #1 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turtles raised outdoors almost always do better than indoor turtles.
However... just crawling on grass under the sun is not going to do a lot for your turtle. I'd still do it sometimes, but there are better options.
Consider building yourself a little turtle pond for it. You can start small and let it get bigger as the turtle ages, and when it gets to a certain point, you can leave your turtle in it all the time if you want!
At first, this can just be a small wading pool or big, shallow tub set in a little hole. Pile up some rocks for basking and to let the turtle get in and out. Toss in a few small minnows or guppies, snails, water bugs, water plants, etc. to make it homier and offer food.
The next phase would be to make a simple wall around the 'turtle garden'. Fences are OK, but the best thing is a simple solid wall, like that plastic garden surround stuff. Make it about 8" tall for now, and stick some kind of stakes every few inches to anchor it and to prevent digging out. Now you can read a book or leave it alone for a few minutes at a time while it swims and plays.
Over time, you can add a real pond (make it 100 gallons if possible) with plantings in and outside it, a healthy colony of fish and bugs, basking sites, nesting sites, plenty of room for another turtle or two, and so forth. Many people incorporate bird feeders and more to create backyard sanctuaries for all kinds of wildlife.
You can get cool plans online if you go this route!
For now- sure, let it out and...
- make sure it has access to shade and water
- watch it carefully- these guys are incredible at getting away!
- use its behavior to gauge how long to stay out. Don't let it get stressed by being out too long, or by being shuttled too often.
2006-07-20 12:53:13 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a great idea, especially if you don't own a UV light. Sunlight is essential for digestion. I used to watch my turtle walk around the yard every day for hours when I was a kid.
2006-07-20 11:57:01 · answer #3 · answered by wendi_just_me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For my turtle I made him an outside pond in a metal wash tub though you could use a plastic kiddie pool too. I put things in it for him to hang out on like cobblestone rocks and I put some koi in there for him to watch while he suns himself he loves to go in the water and swim around.
2006-07-20 03:49:39 · answer #4 · answered by Small Lady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that would be fine, but if its really a turtle, they need to be in water very often, cuz they over heat (the shell is dark and has a large surface area, that absorbs heat fast) so dont let your turtle out too long. but otherwise thats fine.
2006-07-20 15:08:53 · answer #5 · answered by bobathan229101 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turtles don't need very much space but it wouldn't hurt to interact with it and take it outside.
2006-07-20 03:47:13 · answer #6 · answered by KPatrick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, the fresh air is good for almost everything. My son takes his bearded dragons outside all the time, and watches then while they soak up the sun or crawl around in the sprinkler.
2006-07-20 03:40:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but they MUST return to their shells after 10 p.m.!
2006-07-20 13:31:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk but i was wondering the same thing about my snake, it must be boring being caged up all day, all im worried about is if it could catch a disease or something from outside
2006-07-20 03:40:25 · answer #9 · answered by psycho_sweetie_92 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TURTLS LOVE THE OUTSIDE AND WOULD ITS COMEPLETLY SAFE!! dont worrie
2006-07-20 06:08:16 · answer #10 · answered by Emily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋