Okay so i got them a few months ago as a gift, i know not very smart, but they were just born, i know illegal but i kept them and now they are about 3 months old and i just did research on them and they are snappers! I have a 2 year old niece who loves them and I'm afraid they will bite her. I don't want them any more due to that fact. What can I do with them, I don't want to just let them go. I live in central illinois if that helps.
2007-01-30 18:04:10 · 9 answers · asked by THE 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
1. Please do not release them. It IS illegal in some places, especially if they are not local animals. Even if it is not illegal, it is not smart unless you have planned to do it from the start. There are two major issues (besides legality):
a.) Most studies show that 'dumped' (as opposed to planned release) animals do not live long in the wild. They get stressed, adn have no idea where to find shelter, what the local dangers are, where the good food is, etc. Lots of things eat young turtles- and they are very exposed until they learn the area.
b.) The turtles have picked up germs from you and become partially immune- but the wild population may not be. There are many examples of released animals killing off native populations with germ warfare.
2. Snappers are actually decent pets- although certainly not something to have a 2 year old to get too close to. The big problem here is the chance of Salmonella poisoning more than being bitten.
3. Try to give them away- ads at local pet shops, zoos, nature centers, etc. might find a good home. If you cannot give them away and feel you need to release them, please do so in a city park lagoon or other place near lots of people.
2007-01-31 09:24:40 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main thing here is to keep fingers away from their faces. If they're used to being handled and don't show aggression, why would you want to let them go for some bird or fish or anything else to eat for that matter? You have quite a while before these turtles are actually dangerous by any means, and your niece deserves this opportunity to learn about some very interesting turtles. Don't count on this by any means, but you never know, you could end up with one like our old one that would very delicatlely take strawberries or shiners or any other type of danglable food from your fingers and enjoy being scratched on the back of it's neck. (not that I would suggest trying this with any old snapping turtle, but still). The biggest issue for your niece is making sure she washes her hands thoroughly after handling the turtle -before- picking her nose, sucking her thumb, eating, any of those things that two years olds are prone to do.
2007-01-31 03:45:11 · answer #2 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you particular that's a snapping turtle? Are you close to water (interior of a few miles of a creek, pond, lake)? i want to advise liberating the turtle lower back into the wild, close to a water source, as that's the place it got here from. In maximum places you may no longer save wild caught animals with a enable, and if somebody exhibits out you're able to be fined. A snapping turtle desires water, as nicely as UVB easy from the solar. that's no longer something you're able to be protecting as a puppy. in case you're able to wish to get a turtle, or yet another reptile as a puppy, seem right into a reptile breeder, rescue, or possibly a puppy shop. those animals are many times captive bred, and you will purchase each and every of the wonderful standards for whichever you p.c. on.
2016-11-23 16:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by carper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should call your local zoo or aquarium and ask them if they will take the turtles or look for a local wildlife rescue organization who will take them.
Please do not release them into the wild. They have no idea how to survive because they have been raised as pets so far. They will most likely die. You will not get in trouble for doing the right thing and taking them to some kind of shelter.
2007-01-30 19:34:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off, it's not illegal to relese NATIVE species back into the wild, it's actually encouraged. Secondly, Most turtles of that nature are FARM raised in ponds by people like me, so to relase them back into the wild will not hurt them. If you do that ensure you do it during the spring or summer so that they have a chance at survival and can alcimate to the outdoors again. I live in Michigan and I have found snappers outdoors so to relase it in IL is not a problem. you could also sell them online if you wanted to. if your intrested email me and i'll go over more details with you.
Cheers
2007-01-31 03:15:46 · answer #5 · answered by rob.taggett 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it doesnt make any sense to not want them just because they are snappers.If you were fine with them before, keep them. If you have been handling them and they do not bite, it is okay to give it to a child. But if you are afraid of them biting her you should release them into a pond or lake, not in salt water, or a petshop will take them. Tell your neice they went on a vacation then buy a turtle and tell her they CAME BACK.
2007-01-30 23:41:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
for one it is illegal to release captive bred animals, especially aquatic turtles back into the wild. check to see if a petstore will buy them back. put an add in the paper, check with local zoos. DO NOT release them into the wild.
2007-01-31 01:36:46 · answer #7 · answered by Twilite 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its fine to release them near a large pond or swamp.
2007-01-30 18:33:01 · answer #8 · answered by Yukon Cornelius 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
well, just letting it go on streets, may put you to jail due to animal rights law... i suggest you to make a turtle soup... that's very nice... i love that...
2007-01-30 21:52:52 · answer #9 · answered by john 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋