just found ourselves in possession of a turtle, 5 1/2"long by 6" wide, We'd like to do what is best for it.

Question

We have just gotten a type of land turtle (not by choice) and we want to do what is best for it. I know nothing about taking proper care of it so I would like suggestions as to what we can do with it so that it is well cared for. It has a hard shell that is about 5 1/2" long by about 6" wide. Are there organizations that take them? Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks

Answer 1

Get on your local Humane Society webpage. They usually have a "reptile" expert, if not call vets in your area.

I found an abandoned turtle in the park a few years ago. I did not want a turtle -- my dogs would have not been kind! I contacted the reptile expert and was told I found an African Sulcata and they grow up to 150 lbs! I took it to the reptile expert who nursed it back to health -- there were some issues, but it did survive. Later, the turtle was taken to a WILDLIFE RESCUE center set up for this type of turtle. The turtle I found needed HEAT and DRY, and we live in the Pacific NW -- cold and wet! I did the best thing I could, and did not want to keep it. I didn't want to have a walking coffee table . . . if you know what I mean!

NOTE: NOT ALL TURTLES live in or near water!! Please don't listen to these answers. You could be doing it more harm then good!

Answer 2

I see many " let it go comments" !!!!

NO NO NO

The only way you should EVER and I mean EVER let it go is IF it was a turtle that was already in the wild...
You do not say if it was somebodies pet and if they got it from a pet shop etc...

You need to determine wher eit come from and if it is a wild species or if it was a pet...
Releasing a domesticated turtle into the wild will result in DEATH
Period.

Once you find this out... then YES there are rescues for all creatures in all states... do a search

If you need help locating a place..post back out here and I will try to help.

Good Luck....

TO all those who replied release...

YOU NEVER release an animal unless you know for sure its wild.. Never release ANY kind of domestic pet into the wild!

Good Luck

Wismom

Answer 3

Only plan to keep it if you are willing and able to give it a decent sized living area (say a large rubbermaid tub or something filled with sod or earth or something) and research into land turtles, how to clean care and feed them, spend some money on a UV light and that sort of thing. land turtles are kinda lame if you want an exciting pet, but they're cute anyway. water turtles are more active.

Answer 4

RELEASE IT! Before the time comes for them to hibernate, in a few more weeks.

Massachussetts has a rescue site, but they may be selective about the species they take in. Look in your state. But by all means, do not place an ad and give it out to anyone who is not a rehabilitator. Too many monsters out there would want it just to breed her to death, for a profit

Answer 5

If you found it, release it.

Otherwise, try the local animal shelters, pet shops, herpetological societies (reptile clubs), wildlife rescuers, etc.

You might be able to ID it in the galleries at http://www.tortoise.org- which also lists care sheets, some adoption options, etc.

A lot of us would probably adopt it from you if we knew what kind it was and roughly where you were located.

Answer 6

what is best for it is to find out what kind of turtle it is and return it to the wild in an area where it will do well.

Answer 7

Let it go. I see one every once in a while slowly pass bye. I told my grandson to leave it alone. They get bigger, but you could ck with the local zoo and see if they want it. Good Luck pem

Answer 8

Someone in my apt. bldg. lost their turtle...do you live in south cali? Could it be theres?

Answer 9

take it to a local pond, or river, or the water source closest to where you found it