i have two read eared terrapins 3 years old, is it safe for them to live in an outside enclosure?

Question

i have two read eared slider terrapins about 3 years old, i have kept them inside sice i got them in a tank but it is getting a bit cramped for them and i wondered wether it would be safe for them to live out side in an enclosure with a heated pond, rabbit hutch with a uv light, enclosed

Answer 1

I used to keep a couple of turtles, when the weather is nice and the sun is shinning and the temperature is fairly hot, then yes, they can go outside but they have to be brought in at night time because of the temperature drop. But im not too sure on terrapins. You would be best off going to your local reptile pet shop and asking them if its ok.

Answer 2

A BIG outdoor pond with good basking sites and a 'beach' would be fine- aim for at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell length- so a 5" turtle should have at least a 50 gallon pond.

Otherwise, issues we want to think about include:
- temps
- sun and shade
- water quality
- predators and thieves
- ease of maintenance and care
- escapes

Give the sites http://www.austinsturtlepage.com and http://www.redearslider.com a try!

Answer 3

it depends on if you caught it in the wild if so yes if not you have to leave it there every once in a wild to see if it will allow its self to get use to it. but size also matters if it is just a baby then don't do it. but if it's a tennager or an adult then go ahean