I added two to my pet family

[dragonfly411]

I now am the happy-ish owner of two turtles. SO's sister gave them to me. I say happy-ish because my dogs kept me awake all night growling at them. They don't know what they are. Fortunately after we all got to sleep we all stayed that way. Anyway, I believe both are Red Bellied turtles, as they were actually both local caught as babies. One my SO's sister's father found in their neighborhood (not near any water, nearest canal was 2 miles away), and the other we found as a baby on a road. He was quarter sized then, 4 years ago. I renamed them, as I can't stand the idea of talking to a reptile and calling it Spike. So Waylon and Hank they are. I'll get pictures tonight. They like to clank against the tank walls and dig the gravel up and make loud noises. I plan on getting a nice sunning rock for them, but any other recommendations on what to put in their tank would be appreciated.

 

[Nashville]

Cool! Baby turtles have a very low survival rate in the wild, and Red Bellies have long been endangered (not sure in which areas anymore) so it's good that you will be caring for them.

A word of advice, if possible bring them to a reptile vet or rescue center and get them identified so that if you ever do decide to release them, you will know which environment they will thrive in. Many make the mistake of taking in baby turtles as pets because they are cute, but then lose interest and release them anywhere (I know these ones are grown, but just in general). Certain turtles like certain places, so it's good to get an idea of where they could thrive in the wild if need be. They can also advise you how to set up your habitat. Some turtles like mud, others like deep water, others need certain types of food. It's best to be well equipped if you plan on adopting them. Also, it's not recommended you have turtles in houses with babies or small children, as they can carry very serious disease that a small immune system may not be able to fight.

 

[dragonfly411]

Red Bellies tend to thrive here in FL, and are seen really commonly in the rivers. I'm taking a guess on that being what they are though as they look VERY similar. They might possibly be just a river turtle too? Maybe you guys can help when I get pictures. I plan to talk to our vet as well. I don't think I'd ever feel comfortable with releasing them since they've only known pellets and the rare cricket for food. They'd make nice pets for my kids someday too no? lol.

Actually - looking at a website, Waylon (the larger biter) looks more like a Chicken turtle than anything else.


ETA children part noted.

 

[monarch64]

DF--sounds like you've acquired some nice pets! I have to tell you that Mr. Jennings and Mr. Williams' names are quite fetching...(just teasing you...you know I like to give you a hard time about the redneck thang!!!) Anywho...I could send you some black crickets, we have plenty here. I don't know anything about identifying turtles other than the ones that bite (due to being snapped at) so I can't help you there but hope that you are helping the right species--the one that likes critters and not humans!

 

[dragonfly411]

Monarch - Why Thankyou LOL! Seriously, I was not having a Spike in the house. Ever. And thank you for the cricket offer, we have TONS by our barn too.

Last night the dogs stared them down, growled, barked and ran away on the bed. The girl was so worried she had to sleep RIGHT NEXT to my face.

I'm excited to learn their little turtle quirks. This is my first foray into turtles. I've had everything you can think of: horses, dogs, cats, rabbits (wild and domestic), fish, garden lizards, bearded dragons, snakes, hamsters, gerbils, birds, tarantulas. Now turtles. Waylon likes to put his nose up to my finger on the glass. He's technically a biter, but when I did that last night he just stuck his nose where my finger was and sat there cross eyed.

 

[tigian]

How fun, dragonfly! 2 turtles are going to be a great addition. A sunning rock, some plastic water plants, and light is all we have.
We have one turtle, Mishell, and he is quite a character. He gets so happy when we come home from work and splashes around and lifts his head as far out of the water as possible. Our dogs stare at him once in while when they remember he is there. Actually, we had the turtle before we adopted the dogs, so they probably think he is a permanent fixture and have never barked or growled at him. Hopefully your dogs will settle and you will be able to sleep tonight.

 

[ForteKitty]

Congrats on your new pets! I love turtles.

Not sure if you have big dogs, but if you do, please please be very careful about letting them around the turtles. I have been warned that many turtles are injured or killed by dogs who like to pick them up and chew/shake/throw around.

 

[dragonfly411]

Not to worry, my two are little, and the labs don't come in my room. Roxy does on occasion but she stays at the foot of my bed. She's rather uninterested in anything that isn't my two dogs, me, or a treat.

I've decided they are not red bellies. I'm still looking though and plan to take pictures of them tomorrow. They've been bouncing around tonight, and enjoyed their dinner. When they hear the door open their little heads shoot into the air lol.

 

[Arkteia]

Congratulations! I used to have a turtle, she lived for 14 years in my house. I remember she loved to eat daffodils.

 

[Irishgrrrl]

Turtles??? Squeeeeee!!! I love turtles!!!

I've been wanting a turtle forever. They're so cool! I can't wait to see pics of Hank and Waylon, DF!