Is it alright to move a red eared slider turtle to an outdoor pond from an indoor tank?

Question

He has lived in an indoor tank all his life. I am planning on putting a filtered pond in my backyard and would like to make it his new home. Would this be ok? Might he get sick in anyway? Should I bring him inside in cold weather?

Answer 1

hi you can put him in the pond but make sure he will eat the food in the pond like minnos and worms and other insects and bugs dont bring him in if its a dirt bottom

Answer 2

Of course he will love living out of doors ! Swimming around in all that lovely, fresh water, sunning himself on the rocks during the day, lazing under a leafy plant.  Munching on the moss (if there is any ) that grows in the pond with an occasional snack of some hapless insect.  Yumm ! All this, of course supplemented by whatever basic menu you provide.

But,  he may want to explore further.  Make certain he can't wander away and become lost or wander out of your yard into traffic or the clutches of some neighbor's dog.  

Other than that, unless you have hard freezes, he should be quite happy with his new home.  If you live where it does freeze, do bring him into a cool part of your home or garage, expect him to sleep most of the winter away while dreaming of his next sunbath.

Answer 3

NO I have done the same ..they will love you, Just know what ever you put in the pond fish wise and he will eat it..

I have had two Sliders for 36 yrs now plus a 8 yr old and a 5 yr old..

I have had them in a 150gal pond for about 6 yrs now..

I have about 75 to 125 minows and goldfish at all times and toss romaine lettuce in 4 times an weeka dn tubiflex dried cubes in a few times..and they have NEVER been sick.

Depending on what state you live in, I am in Calif and we do get cold at times so I have bought heaters (2) and use them Oct /Nov  thru March.

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**Contact the “herpetologicalsocieties.com, for a turtle vet in your city and state.