All Turtles Message Board

clc4912 · Level 1 Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 21

I gave a co-worker a ride home the other day and went inside. He had stated before that his children had an RES and that they have had it for about 8 years years. The turtle was about 8 inches.

The horrible part was that the turtle was in a bowl about 12 inches in diameter and that was its permanent home. There was not even enough water to cover his entire shell, so the top of his shell was discolored white due to lack of moisture. The turtle had lived this way for several years.

I was not really in a position to say anything to him, but what I did do was go to my garage and get out the old 10 gallon aquarium I had along with filter, light, and small heater and took it to him today for the turtle. He seemed happy to receive it and said he would set it up for the turtle tonight.

I know many of you will say that is nowhere near enough room for a turtle his size, but that was the best that I could do and it is far better than where he was being housed before. Atleast now he can swim around somewhat and be fully submerged in water. I felt pretty bad for the poor turtle.

STRAYKINGFISHER · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:22 am Post subject:

I am sure the turtle thanks you for your effort and we applaud you as well.

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stirland06 · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:22 pm Post subject:

Well done, at least the turtle will be much more happier in its new home.
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ryanandsuzyro · Level 3 Joined: 19 Nov 2006 Posts: 207

Maybe find a book or print out some basic information for your friend.

clc4912 · Level 1 Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 21

I did talk to him the other day to a degree, but I don't think the turtle is getting any bigger of a tank any time soon. At least it can now swim so will have some quality of life. It is my hopes that after he sees the turtle in the tank for awhile, he will realize that it needs a bigger tank and get one. We shall see.

linnypoooh · Level 1 Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 24

thats sad...almost like animal cruelty... I bet his turtle was wishing death on himself.

Bubonic · Level 2 Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 81

Wow, what a champ.
I can't imagine how a turtle could survive in such squalid conditions.

I bet it can hardly even walk due to what must be complete atrophy of its muscles.

I can't see how they've refused to invest anything in this turtle for the 8 years they have had it?!?!

I'd of flamed the guy, then again, I'm not very nice when I'm on the moral high ground.

Is he in a financial situation that makes it impossible to really justify spending money on a pet?
In which case, he shouldn't have a pet.
Try to find a shelter, break it to him softly that he is a terrible person.

clc4912 · Level 1 Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 21

The turtle is doing somewhat better now that it can atleast move around and swim to a degree.

This is a co-worker of mine and in all other aspects is a very nice guy. To make too much of this could possibly jeapordize our working relationship. I think the problem is that he does not see the value of the turtle as a pet as I and I am sure all of you do.

I did what I could to improve the living conditions of the turtle without insulting the guy and I guess that will have to be enough for now.