Rescue Turtles

[fishwatcher]

In another post I asked about turtles, and low and behold a lady offered me her 2 RES. I didn't want to take them at first, as my tank is only 30gal, and I'll only be able to upgrade to a 50 gal (it's all I have room for inside).
But, her turtles are over 3 years old (that's how long she's had them, and they were just babies when she got them) and they live in about a 6gal plastic container with a few rocks to climb up on and about 1" of water to swim in. No heater, no basking light, no filter. They are only about 2 1/2" across even though they are so old. She's offered them to me for free, as she's grown tired of them I guess. I know I don't have the best housing for them (in the long run) but I hate to leave them where they are, too. Once they get too large for the 50g I could always put them in my little 125 gal outside pond (I'd have to remove my goldies and add a net over the top), or even in our 1.5 acre pond. What do you think?
Please help as I'm probably going to take them unless y'all tell me to leave them where they are.
Thanks for the help!!

 

[Maximus]

Take them, no thought involved

 

[fishwatcher]

ok, thanks... I think I'll go get them this evening. (It's only 3:00 here right now.)

 

[kyle r]

i dont think you will have to take your goldies as most turtles leave them alone but then it depends on your turtles personality

 

[fishwatcher]

Cool, thanks! I kind of got off the hook with one of the RES. Another fella wanted one, too, so she split them between us. Now I have one (named Crush - yes, from Finding Nemo) living in my 30g. He's so dang cute!!!
Once he gets larger I'll see what I'll need to do about moving him out to the goldie pond.
Will he need a heater in the winter out there? About 1 1/2' are buried, the other foot or so is above ground but has earth/mulch built up around it.
Thanks!!!

 

[kyle r]

does your pond edges gradually slope to the dry if not your turtle will struggle to get out.
in my turtle book it says to try and get a sort of greenhose thing that goes half in water and half out so he can swim under water and up into the greenhouse where it will obviously warmer.unfortunatley it does not say what itn is called but try asking at a local pet store where they stock turtles.

 

[fishwatcher]

Ok, thanks!