What to do with a turtle you can't keep?
The alternatives to keeping your turtle are:Post your sliders for adoption on our Facebook page, or place a newspaper or craigslist ad. ... Give it to a friend/family member.Put flyers up at your local vets/pet stores. ... Humane euthanasia (done by a vet, not at home.)
What to do with a turtle you found?
If the turtle you found is injured, gently collect the turtle and put it in a clean, dry container in a warm but shaded area away from pets or potential predators. Do not attempt to apply any type of first aid. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or contact a qualified reptile vet in your area for assistance.
Can I give my turtle to Petco?
Though the CDC warning applies to the smallest turtles, Petco will accept turtles of any size, Burch said.
Can I release a turtle anywhere?
Pet store turtles most likely carry diseases, which could affect native turtles and the entire ecosystem. Never release a turtle if it is not from the area; there is no exception to this.
What to do if you find a small turtle?
0:112:12What to do if you find a baby turtle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's totally fine to leave them where they are and just let them live out their lives where they'reMoreIt's totally fine to leave them where they are and just let them live out their lives where they're hanging out mom turtles when after they lay their eggs they leave the nest.
Can I keep a turtle that I found?
0:031:36How to Care for a Wild Turtle | Pet Turtles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to just leave it there there are actually laws protecting most of our native turtle andMoreIt's best to just leave it there there are actually laws protecting most of our native turtle and tortoise species in this country.
Can you release a pet turtle into the wild?
If you have a turtle you no longer want, keep trying to find it a home or find a way to "put it to sleep," as we say euphemistically with dogs and cats. Whatever you do, do not release a pet red-eared slider turtle back into the wild.
Can turtles live in tap water?
Do not use tap water for your tank, as tap water contains chlorine and possibly fluoride which can upset the pH balance of your system. De-chlorinated water needs to be used for the swimming area and filtered water for your turtle to drink.
How long do pet turtles live?
With the right care, turtles can live for at least 30 years in captivity and have been known to live for up to 70 in some cases and even longer, depending on the species. This is a massive commitment, and their complicated, expensive, and time-consuming care requirements will need to be maintained for many decades.
Can you release a turtle after being in captivity?
Once a turtle is in captivity it should not be released back into the wild for the following reasons: The turtle can spread disease picked up in captivity to other turtles in the wild. Pathogens, viruses, and bacteria are not always presented in the form of a symptom.
What happens when you release a turtle into the wild?
Pet turtles should never be released into the wild! Releasing a non-native turtle in the wild can be dangerous for the turtle and disrupt an entire ecosystem.
What happens if you turn a turtle around?
The turtle is on a mission, and if you turn it around, it will simply go back across the road when you drive away. Finally, DO NOT relocate them. Many turtles have "Home Ranges", a territory they call home, and when relocated, they will search out ways back or just stop eating.
What can I feed a turtle I found in my yard?
But in general, it is safe to feed most wild turtles earthworms, grasshoppers, crickets, peas, chopped up apples, carrots, pears, romaine lettuce and most leafy greens (like collard, mustard, and parsley).
Should I move a turtle to water?
Turtles should always be moved across roadways in as direct a line as possible. You might be tempted to "help" the turtle by moving it to a wooded area or water body, but the correct solution is to quickly move the turtle the shortest distance possible.
What does it mean when you find a turtle in your backyard?
Part of turtle symbolism is the notion of peace. He encourages you to walk a peaceful path in life. He also encourages you to find peace of mind and become one with your environment. If you have the turtle as your spirit or totem animal, he's encouraging you to take time from your busy schedule for grounding.
How do you take care of a stray turtle?
0:401:25Pet Turtles : How to Take Care of a Wild Turtle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need get sand cactus in there stuff like that also very critical that you do give them a properMoreYou need get sand cactus in there stuff like that also very critical that you do give them a proper diet because it could be Finnick if it's your seeding cactus.
Where Can I Give Away My Pet Turtle?
There are many cases where turtle owners will find themselves so overwhelmed by the turtle’s care. It might be the many responsibilities they have, or the turtle has grown to be so big. There are very many possibilities that will make you want to give away your pet turtle. Whichever your case is, you may start to wonder where you can give away your pet turtle.
What do you get when you adopt a turtle?
When you adopt a turtle, you help them accomplish these objectives. In return, you will get gifts such as a cuddly toy, a fact pack, regular updates on what you are doing to save these turtles and gifts as well. You will receive a formal adoption certificate, a full-color photo of the species that you have chosen .
What organizations are there to help sea turtles?
Some of these organizations include adopt a sea turtle – symbolic animal adoptions from WWF and adopt a sea turtle – Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Why is turtle adoption important?
Turtle adoption is among the projects set up to help save sea turtles. As we know, sea turtles have existed for the longest time, and they have even outlived other animals from the past. However, we are not in the past, and these creatures are now endangered.
Why do sea turtles drown?
Adopt A Sea Turtle – Symbolic Animal Adoptions From WWF. This organization works to reduce the threats such as fishing, which makes the marine turtles drown when the fishing gear hooks them, also habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change, which makes the water levels rise, and this hides the nesting beaches.
How many turtles are endangered?
Their habitats are destroyed, the water is polluted, and to speak the truth, they are endangered. Some research carried out shows that out of 1000 turtle hatchlings, only 1 will grow to become an adult. This means that out of the seven marine turtle species, 6 of the seven species may go extinct if not taken care of.
Why should we take care of sea turtles?
For this reason, sea turtles should be taken care of to prevent them from going to extinction. Some organizations are responsible for this and also donation programs.
Can you take care of a turtle?
You can reach a point where you can no longer give your turtle the care and affection that it needs , and so you should find a new home that can help the animal thrive. If this is the case, you can ask friends or family members if they are up to the challenge of caring for a new addition to their home.
Can you keep a turtle?
If you reach a point where you simply cannot keep your turtle any longer due to any circumstances, then there is an option for you. The American Tortoise Rescue can care for your turtle. Their motto is to protect all turtles and tortoises, and they are a safe organization to rescue your turtle.
Someone who will love your pet as much as you do
Okay, so this isn’t the answer you wanted. And I know you’ve considered it before, but bear with me.
A Turtle-Friendly Zoo Or Park Nearby
If you have a turtle, consider giving it to a local zoo or aquarium. If successful, your Red-eared Slider will be able to live with other turtles and will not have to adapt to drastic environmental changes.
Reptile Adoption and Rescue
Lucky for you, there are several reptile rescue and adoption centers in the US that can give your Red-eared Slider a safe and secure life.
Pet Shops Near Me
For a small fee, many fish and pet stores will adopt your Red-eared Slider. The abandonment rate for these turtles is high, but so is the trading rate. The pet trade produces millions of Sliders every year.
What is the most common turtle in the pet trade?
The Red Ear Slider – 90% of the calls we get for rehoming a pet turtle are for a Red Ear Slider. This is the most common turtle in the pet trade and is unfortunately a menace to society. They are cheap, easy to find, grow fast and get large enough that care is difficult without an expensive setup. They are not native to our area but unfortunately do well here. However, they are far more aggressive than our native pond turtles and will destroy food chains and wipe out our native turtles. If you have one we recommend posting an ad on craigslist in the pet section for an adoption. If you include the tank, setup etc, you’re more likely to find someone quicker. When people want to “try” a pet turtle, my advice is to adopt a slider first. We keep a list of people who are trying to rehome sliders in hopes that someone will call looking to adopt. It rarely happens… but if you want to get on our list of people needing help, please send us an email with whatever info you have. If you want to adopt- PLEASE CALL US!
Is it illegal to release a turtle?
It is illegal to release your turtle into the wild for any reason. It can be extremely dangerous to our native turtles in many ways. DO NOT release an animal into the wild.
Can you adopt a slider turtle in Pennsylvania?
This is stressful for the turtle but a necessary part of safe interaction. While we won’t accept sliders, sulcata or snapping turtles, we will accept most other species. However, native species to Pennsylvania are not legal to own with only a few exceptions. Therefore we cannot and will not accept native turtles at this time. Perhaps some day when we have ample time and money we’ll look into forming a true rescue organization. But for now, we can’t accept PA species.
Can you rehome a turtle?
If you have a turtle you want to rehome, contact us. We will take in many species if we have the space. The 3 species we will not accept are, Red Ear Sliders, Snapping Turtles, and Sulcata Tortoises. We will help you rehome them though if possible.
What to do if your shelter is turning away animals?
If your local shelter has adopted this harmful practice and started implementing restrictions or turning away animals, please speak up! The basic steps are simple— documenting your experiences, gathering support, and making your case —and your involvement can make a world of difference to the animals in your community who need you the most. Read on to learn how you can help, and follow the links in each section for helpful sample statements and letters.
What to do if a shelter refuses to accept an animal?
If a shelter has refused to accept an animal from you, required you to pay a surrender fee, put you on a waiting list, or instructed you to abandon an animal, carefully document everything that happened.
Why are shelters under extreme pressure?
Shelters are under extreme pressure by laypeople who are opposed to euthanasia under virtually any circumstances and at any cost. They harass and vilify shelter workers who make the difficult but compassionate decision to euthanize some animals in order to keep their doors open to every animal in need.
How to get a meeting with a shelter director?
Once you have gathered statements and evidence, request a meeting with the shelter director by writing a polite letter. Express your support of open-admission policies, including providing euthanasia services when necessary. If the director is open to revising the shelter’s policies, wonderful! Your legwork has paid off. If not, don’t worry—you have brought this important issue to his or her attention, and you can now take your case to elected officials and the media.
Why do shelters leave animals?
When shelters make it difficult for people to surrender animals, closing their doors and refusing to help, they leave animals with nowhere to turn. Many are abandoned on the streets, where they starve and die in agony of untreated diseases or injuries.
What to do if shelter is taxpayer funded?
If the shelter is taxpayer-funded, elected officials may view the situation more objectively and be more receptive (and able to initiate change ). Your next step is to request a meeting with elected officials to express your concern that the shelter is not providing needed services.
What happens to animals that are rejected?
Many animals who are rejected by shelters are abandoned on the street, where they breed and produce more homeless animals, starve, are hit by vehicles, or contract fatal diseases. Others are crudely killed or gravely neglected by people who don’t want them and are desperate to get rid of them .
