Wild Turtle Help!!!?

Question

I need major help, so be prepared for a lot of questions! :]] My neighbors recently found 3 wild land turtles crossing a road, ones about 1-2" in diameter, the other is about 4", the other is about 5-6" probably. I have tried to convince them to bring them back to the wild, but they wont. They asked for my help in caring for them, I am to make a list on EVERYTHING they need. Well now me and and 2 of my friends are making a binder about the reasons why they shouldn't keep them, how much it would all cost, how to care for turtles, and other choices. They are currenlty in a 20 gallon tall w/ newspaper and a bowl of water. I feel so bad for the poor things, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, isn't there a law about taking animals out of the wild? If so, how to I find info on it?
Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!!! :}

Thanks So much So Far, I live in Colorado.

As for other choices, does anyone know of anything that could happily fit in a 20 gallon tall that is pretty easy to care for?

Answer 1

Maybe they are trying to start training them to be ninjas.

Answer 2

Well, first of all they need to know if the turtles they have are a protected species, as owning them could be a felony. Then, land tortoises need very large enclosures, like 6 foot x 4 foot. 20 gallons is too small except temporarily for the little tortoise. They need a varied diet of greens, vegies, and tortoise food. Some need insects. Vitamins are a must. Some species need a water dish big enough to climb in and out of. They definitely need a heat source (12 hours with a basking temp. of at least 95 degrees) and UVB lighting for 12 hours daily. The UVB bulbs must be changed twice a year, regardless of light output. They must first identify the species and then learn every thing they can on the proper care, if they do indeed intend to keep them (and it is legal to do so). Vet visits to check for parasites are also important.

Answer 3

My turtle set ups cost me about $300 at first and now the tanks alone are over $600 a peice. I have two of these. Turtles need to have their homes cleaned every week, they have strict diets, they need UVA and UVB lighting because without it they will die! You are right that there is a law about taking native wild animals. I don't know where you'd find it, maybe ask a police in your town but it is an offence as most turtles that are native in areas are already becomming extinct. Also, turtle that are wild and then taken into captivity don't live as long as they should. For example, turtles usually live 20+years in the wild (or captivity if bred in captivity and if properly cared for) but on an average, after being taken into captivity only live about 3 years. If the turtle was only 2 years old, it lost 75% of it's life because of a human being greedy. Give them that fact. :)

Answer 4

I know that turtles are extremely expensive to take care of properly, as is any reptile. You need UVA and UVB lighting fixtures, a basking lamp, and a large tank for them to move around in. Plus, you need to buy them food such as crickets, veggies, and vitamins. And, since they were raised in the wild, they probably wont live long in captivity. Your neighbors are being very selfish and cruel by not letting the turtles go. And, it is probably mating season, so they are preventing more little turtles from being made. All in all, keeping them is a costly, cruel, selfish idea.

Answer 5

put tin foil around the tank about 6in high, duct tape it. fil 1/2 the tank 1ft high with sand or dirt, then fill with water to the line of the foil. add rocks plants and some grass. feed it pumpkinseed sunfish and using a window screens and use full spectrum light. some turtle are legal. are the turtles endangered? also the cost. im guessing, is about $50

Answer 6

It is turtle mating season. They are crossing highways and byways to get to water and mate. The ones that they have picked up will probably die in captivity. They need to just take them back and put them on the side of the road closest to the water where they were headed. Let them meet other turtles.

Answer 7

Cares: Direct them to http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for good care info. It will quickly teach them that a decent set-up will run $150+, especially since they will need at least a 120 gallon tank and a filter designed for about 300 gallon ponds.

Legality: We could help more if we knew your state. However, here is a list of state laws that might apply: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Info/law.htm (However- even if they broke the law the odds are they won't be prosecuted.)

Answer 8

Reilly try to get tam to the wild but it can be quwite costly and the setup they have now is not good not good at all go to the pet store and try to find out what kind they are and have fun good luck. Now for the law part i would check in with the DNR.

Answer 9

in case you chanced on it on your force, that's a wild animal, completely able to discover its very own foodstuff and taking good care of itself, in case you purely leave it on my own. Watch it on your leisure, and to benefit approximately it, yet do not attempt to maintain it and make a puppy out of it. it ought to have been on your force through fact the asphalt or cement holds the warmth, and it exchange into purely sunning itself and staying heat. positioned it interior the grass, close to a water source if there is one close to you, and it would be on his way.

Answer 10

tell them that you wont help them with the turtles and that they should put them back unless they want to be irresponsible, breaking the law, and totally selfish.

Answer 11

they must be some stupid people if they wont let u release them, and id steal them in the middle of the night and release them into the wild myself