Dumb kids.....

[SoberGuy]

OK. The complex I live at has some streams with turtles and what not. Well, my roommate has picked up the same turtle roaming the parking lot and other areas of the property. The assumption (on her part) is that the turtle is trying to find a place to lay eggs. Well, her daughter found it again, and they both said why not take it home? Crap. Now I've got a turtle I know NOTHING about, and am wondering just how in heck do I care for the silly thing? I'd rather just let it go, but they will not let me do that. Any help is appreciated. Oh, and if you want pics of the thing, just ask, I'll try to get some up. The only empty cage I have is maybe 36"x18"

[SoberGuy]

OK, here's the turtle, and the wood shavings were all I had.

[telefrag]

thats a red ear slider.

If it really is a female trying to lay eggs, a soil substrate would be better to induce egg laying.

but that looks a bit small to be a reproductive female.

Plus it may even be a male, although from the close up pic, the nails dont look long enough.

Best bet is to find the closest pond and let it go.
since that is most likely where it came from.

[SoberGuy]

Cool, that's what I'd rather do. I'm letting it go now.

[Richard]

That is a great idea letting it go. Sliders will need alot more water then what you have in there. I have my 2 painteds in a HUGE cage, and when the filters start getting dirty and its time to put new water in the cage....its a huge pain.

[futureCROChunter]

Tell me about it! I also have 2 painteds and it takes along time to clean out the tank when it gets real dirty!!
But yeah, the best you can do is let it go.