New Turtle

[lars5277]

My son has recently aquired for me a Western Painted turle. I was going to release but the temps are starting to get close to freezing at night so my mother suggeted I keep it. I like it any ways with the bright orange colors and such I will post pics here in a few minutes. Any instructions or advice for care is always appreciated.

[Jeanne]

google.com


I am sure you will find multiple caresheets to help you on that. Especially, since you do know the species it is.

[lars5277]

Some Pics of Rocky.

[Python-77]

Nice Painted, but Rocky looks more like Rock'ett.

[lars5277]

Is my "he" a "she"? If so, how can you tell?

[Jeanne]

Lars,
Do make sure you check the laws and regulations through fish and game for your states rules regarding keeping that kind of turtle. Most states have a law against keeping something that is native to its state. Also, according to the info I found on them, should you release it, it will do just fine, because they hibernate through the winter months.

[Smulkin]

Striking colors on that "fellow"!

[Python-77]

Is my "he" a "she"? If so, how can you tell?

The basics of turtle sexing are "short tail short front nails, your a female".

males also have a concave on there bellies that helps them...err mount the female during mating season.

Like jeanne said check your local laws for two things can I keep her and if not can I still release her many states have laws that say once a turtle is in captivity more than 30days it can not be returned to the wild.

[lars5277]

Jeanne,
thanks for the advice about keeping it. I called the Fish and Game department, and he said it would be best to let it go. he said there are turtle races all over up here and everyone turns a blind eye to it, however it is illegal to keep these here. I am going to take my son out tonight and have him relase her were he found her.
On a side note I learned a lot I didn't know with just a few hours of researh so all was not wasted. I came out of it with more knowledge.

[CTReptileRescue]

Hi Lars,
I just wanted to say how nice it was to read your last post. Reading this thread I had to keep breathing deep.
But I was thrilled to hear that you will be letting your little painted go. It will also teach your son a great lesson in respect the environment and the wild animals that live right in your own backyard!
Rusty