Animals just seem to come to Mike. It isn’t like he’s out there searching for pets. At least I don’t think so. Last week he came home from work with a large plastic tub containing seven turtles.
They are red-eared sliders, the most common turtles found in the pet trade which is why they are established beyond their native Southern United States. They are semi-aquatic yet bask under the warm sun and are shy so make a quick retreat by “sliding” into the water quickly off rocks and logs.
5-6 inch (12.7-15.24 cm) red-eared sliders exploring the pond
The female grows to be 10-13 inches (25-33 cm) in length and males 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). Although the male is usually smaller the tail is much longer and thicker and their claws elongated. A male at 4 inches (10.6 cm) will be somewhere between 2-4 years old and already sexually mature. Wild females reach maturity later, between 5-7 years, and will then be over 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length. If it is not yet as large as a dinner plate, it is not full grown.
After testing the waters they also tested the boundary
Mike already put chicken wire around the pond and they have a new home. As with other turtles, tortoises and box turtles, individuals that survive their first year or two can be expected to live almost as long as their owners. Individuals of this species have lived at least 35 years in captivity.
Red-eared sliders are omnivores and eat a variety of animal and plant materials. Recommendations include fresh fish not frozen, worms, carrion, crickets, aquatic insects, shredded carrots, lettuce and melon rind but never commercial cat or dog food. I’m sure there’s more Mike will be doing for his new charges.
Current pets include 7 red-eared sliders in pond, 2 mosquito fish indoor tank, and 2 turtle doves who still lay unfertile eggs (probably both females).
FYI
A 1975 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation bans the sale (for general commercial and public use) of turtle eggs and turtles with a carapace, or shell, length of less than 4 inches (10.6 cm). This regulation comes under the Public Health Service Act and is enforced by the FDA in cooperation with State and local health jurisdictions. The ban was put into effect because of the public health impact of turtle-associated Salmonella. As with many other animals and inanimate objects, the risk of Salmonella exposure can be reduced by following basic rules of cleanliness.
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Have a good adventure in Havasu, Gaelyn. Can't believe it's time for you to go back to the GC already!
Ha! We raised a little slider who hatched and nearly fried on a hot parking lot nearby. Once he got big enough to "court" himself in his reflection it was time to let that bad boy go! Our Aussie dog licked him once and nearly died – literally – from salmonella. I'm glad the little guy is back in the pond with his friends, frankly. That's where he belonged and is no doubt procreating like crazy. He was a randy little cuss. LOL!
Lovely creatures!
I always wanted a turtle (they become huge in Niger! big enough to sit on) but ours are pretty territorial and I'm not sure how they'd get along with Sheba and the horses. I know for sure our horses don't get along with pigs (Arwen is terrified of them and Sahara hates them), but that's another story…
Gaelyn: Mike is a nature lover and always will share his life with his love.
Its a pity that some people feel the need to smuggle and sell animals they aren't allowed to.
Travel safely.
Love the photos of the turtles, Gaelyn! That's quite a collection! I think Tom is right about Mike being a nature lover! Hard to believe you're headed back to work, but you probably feel that way, too. But at least you're going to a beautiful place at Havasu!
Have a great week!
Sylvia
Wonderful shots and info on the turtles, Gaelyn. Mike has a kind heart and a love of nature.
So its back to following the yellow brick road at the Grand Canyon. I feel some amazing journeys coming your way.
I hope they don't include iris in their diet. I envy you your Havasu hike, I'd love to do that but I think it is now beyond Jules, next life.
Tomorrow we will try again for Death Valley but I don't look forward to crossing the Sierra. It's been raining here for two days and I'm sure the highway is yucky.
awww! I have quite a history with these guys. I would ride my bike up and down the street all day every day during hatching season and save the little guys crossing the road. I put most in the lake but a few i would raise until they were pretty big. Sigh..memories! love the pictures. their set-up is great!
I was thinking about "Turtle Tours". Only the turtles get to go on people watching trips…
I wanted to come and catch up after my long weekend. It's time already to go back to work? I love the turtles and reading all about your African adventure and even better more about your summer work. Safe travels Gaelyn….Michelle
Back to the canyon already? Time flies when you're cruising South Africa and hatching turtles!
Hard to believe it's already time for you to head back to the Canyon! I'm looking forward to photos from there, and hopefully more from your South Africa trip.
I had to smile reading this Gaelyn. 🙂 Watch out if Mike comes to Africa, he might tag along a small elephant to take with. LOL!!
Have a great trip my friend.
I have, as an adult, raised quite a few of these guys from small, quarter-sized turtles to biggies. Unfortunately, the little turtles are still for sale here. I released the big ones in ponds, where I'm sure they're still okay. I wish they wouldn't sell the little ones here; I can't save them all. I think one of the reasons I like to raise them successfully is that I had quite a number as a child that didn't make it.
Great info on the sliders, I have a pond but it seems to attract more frogs than turtles. Mike sounds like he loves nature and the wildlife. I will look forward to reading about your upcoming hike.
What cuties, those sliders!
Get off my butt and travel, you say? But I prefer staying here, in my shell.
Not one or two, but a bucket full of sliders! How fun is that? Your pond should be a great place for them.
The turtles are adorable! Hard to believe it's almost time for you to head back to Grand Canyon.
Wow, those are really cute looking turtles!
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