Types of Eastern Turtles?

Question

I live in Myrtle Beach and I caught a green and yellow striped turtle, in a pond, what type of turtle could it be, he is friendly and I was wanting to put him in my house pond in my backyard, would this be ok?

Answer 1

It is most likely an Eastern Painted turtle as said, i have 4 of them, in an aquarium, they are great pets, and they are not hard to take care of just a lot of upkeep, if you have them outdoors, know that they will need a filter and make sure your pond is not too crowded with fish! Good luck!

Again, they are great and joyful but if you are not going to give them the care they deserve release them back to their natural habitat

Answer 2

Yes they are cute and you should put it back.

But you need to know that UNLESS ‘If you have allot of $$$$ and start out with a 60 gal plus size tank and great filtration system for Aquatic turtles I say don't do it! It will die within a yr!

Here is some info on what to feed , basking lighting 40 gal tank to start .  Sliders, Cooters , painted ,map and yellow bellied are require the same care and feeding..

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..

**Here is some important and a lot of info. If he or she is small get feeder guppies or small feeder goldfish, frozen brown worms ..even meal worms.

http://flickr.com/photos/29035692@N03/27...

Answer 3

It may be an Eastern Painted and if you found him in a pond, perhaps he should be returned to the pond.  

Answer 4

It's prohibited by Federal law to remove a native animal from its natural habitat in the USA.  

The turtle should be returned to the pond it came from.  We won't even talk about parasites, disease, and salmonella.

OR the possibility it could be gravid/pregnant, and you'll either kill the babies/eggs, or end up having to incubate, and I'll bet you haven't done your homework on any of that, either.

If you truly desire to have a water turtle, you should begin by googling the species available; deciding which you'd like to own; learn all the equipment/space you will need for it as it becomes an adult; and its proper diet.  (None of this is cheap/easy).

Once you have done your homework (and this won't be an IMPULSE to 'keep a cute turtle' by this stage), and know what you are getting into; then you can purchase the turtle of your choice at any age/size you'd like to begin at.

Do the right thing - release it.

I hope this has been of help.

Answer 5

Here are some photos that may help you ID it.

http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/turtles/inde...

The turtle is better off if you release it- they are not good pets for beginners.

However it is not "prohibited by Federal law to remove a native animal from its natural habitat in the USA".

How ridiculous.

I wish people would stop quoting fictitious laws here.