Can Pet Turtles Survive When Released into the Wild? | Turtle Care Guide

Can a Pet Turtle Survive in the Wild?

Many people get small turtles as pets when their children are young, not realizing the level of care and commitment needed to properly raise them. Often, as children grow older they lose interest in their pet turtle. Some families may consider releasing their pet turtle into the wild instead of continuing to care for it.

However, pet turtles, especially those that have been captive bred and raised indoors, often lack the skills and abilities to survive in the wild. Releasing a domesticated turtle can put it in great danger and leave it unable to fend for itself.

Dangers Facing Pet Turtles Released into the Wild

Pet turtles released into the wild face many threats to their safety and wellbeing including:

• Lack of survival skills - pet turtles are used to having food and shelter provided for them and do not know how to hunt for food or avoid predators
• Inability to find resources - they may struggle to find food, water, and shelter
• Temperature regulation - after living indoors, they are unused to regulating their body temperature
• Predators - with no defensive abilities, they can easily fall victim to predators
• Habitat disruption - they may struggle to integrate into the native ecosystem
• Disease - a captive-bred turtle may lack immunity and die from disease after release

Aspects of Wild Turtle Life Pet Turtles Are Unprepared For

There are many aspects of life in the wild that long-term captive pet turtles have never experienced and are unprepared to handle, including:

• Finding food - hunting live prey and foraging
• Avoiding predators - recognizing and escaping from predators
• Thermoregulation - moving between sun and shade to maintain ideal body temperature
• Hibernation - surviving cold weather and periods without food
• Migration - traveling between suitable habitats
• Nest digging - females excavating a nest cavity and laying eggs
• Defense - using camouflage, shells, scent glands, biting, and retraction against threat

Providing Proper Care for Pet Turtles

Instead of releasing a pet turtle, it is important for owners to either continue providing responsible care for the animal's entire lifespan, or give it to a wildlife rescue group, veterinarian, or experienced turtle owner able to do so.

An Aquatic or Terrestrial Enclosure

Turtles require either an:

• Aquatic setup with adequate swimming space, filtration, basking area, heating, and water quality.
• Or a terrestrial setup with proper substrates, heating/lighting, humidity hideboxes, and enrichment.

The enclosure size and specifications depends on the particular species. Many turtles grow continually throughout life and will require upgraded enclosures as they grow.

Proper Nutrition

Feeding appropriate foods in sufficient quantity is vital for keeping captive turtles healthy. This includes:

• Plant eating turtles - dark leafy greens, vegetables, some fruits
• Carnivorous turtles - insects, small fish, earthworms, shellfish
• Omnivorous turtles - mixture of animal protein and plant material
• Calcium and vitamin supplements as needed

The specific dietary needs of the species must be researched. Feeding an inappropriate diet can lead to malnutrition, metabolic bone disease, and other issues. Many turtles may need to be fed daily.

Regular Veterinary Checkups

Even with excellent care at home, turtles should have checkups with an exotic vet to monitor for potential health issues including:

• Respiratory infections
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Shell rot
• Parasites

Vet visits can catch problems early before they become severe. Things like trimming overgrown beaks and nails may also be needed.

Proper Handling

Turtles generally do not enjoy excessive handling but some tolerant species can be handled carefully without stress. Rules include:

• Supporting the plastron (belly) not grabbing only the top shell
• Never dropping or injuring during handling
• Washing hands before and after contact to prevent spreading germs
• Supervising any child interactions carefully

Reading species-specific handling guides can help prevent harming or stressing turtles.

Finding Suitable Long Term Homes for Unwanted Turtles

Releasing domestic turtles into the wild should never been an option. However, some owners are unable to continue caring for their pet turtle for its full lifespan, which can be over 20 years for many species.

Responsible alternatives to releasing a turtle include:

• Contacting a rescue organization to rehome the turtle.
• Posting in turtle enthusiast online forums to find experienced owners.
• Asking a veterinarian clinic if they can take in surrendered turtles.
• Checking if wildlife rehabilitation centers accept non-native turtles.
• Returning to breeder (if purchased from one).

Thoroughly vetting potential new homes is vital to ensure the long term wellbeing of unwanted pet turtles.

Providing Complete Records to New Owners

To help transition a surrendered turtle smoothly, the previous owner should supply:

• Details on enclosure, diet, supplementation history.
• Any behavioral traits or health issues.
• Results of last fecal test and veterinary visit.
• Previous owner contact info for any follow up questions.

Having complete records aids continuity of care for adopted turtles' lifetimes.

The Decision to Take On a New Turtle

Those considering adopting an unwanted turtle should reflect on ability to provide:

• Adequate lifetime enclosure size.
• Proper heating, lighting, furnishings.
• Balanced, nutritious diet.
• Funds for veterinary care.
• Time commitment for daily/weekly care.

If requirements cannot be met long term, adopting the turtle risks inadequate care later. Saying "no" respects true needs of turtle.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.