Copabanana
Well-Known Member
M is driving me back and forth to work through the country back roads. When he picked me up on Thursday he announced we had a new pet. What it was he would not say. When I asked if it was male or female, he said he had not asked.
He had swerved to avoid hitting a large rock--it was a turtle/tortoise in the middle of the road. He did not want to leave it there as he could see no water nearby and the creature had wandered astray.
Thus, he is in our bathtub. We do not know what to do. My son yesterday had said he would get turtle food, and did not. I am giving him pieces of tortilla, cabbage, lettuce, tomato and a little bit of banana, which he loves. In our tub we have placed rocks for him to bask and filled the tub maybe 5". He does not seem to be discontent. But I am worried as this is not a solution.
M thought about bringing him back. We looked in the area and found a canal that most likely was his water source, but we do not know for sure. He has also mentioned bringing him to the yard to see how the 2 dogs do, while supervising. I guess that plan would involve keeping him here, and creating a small pond in the yard, which is possible. We have the same climate/habitat as where he was found, as we are on the outskirts of town. Or I understand people put turtles in large aquariums.
I knew a woman who had a turtle, a large one many years ago. I could never understand the appeal. Now I do.
I am fascinated by him. And he seems taken with me. We watch each other. It is amazing to think that this species is older than the dinosaurs. But I am very anxious that the right thing be done for him.
There is a turtle rescue an hour or so away, who I tried to contact without luck. I do not know if he is a protected species or not. I mentioned the county animal shelter but M does not want this.
But I do not think I want to follow M's lead: He mentioned in passing giving him to somebody who was looking for a turtle to eat or something like that. And in our community there are ethnic groups that use all manner of creature to make medicine.
So I am thinking my most responsible options might either be to learn how to take care of him properly or to find a reserve. But we cannot drive distances and so I do not believe that is a likely alternative.
What are your thoughts? You will help me clarify my own. Thank you.
He had swerved to avoid hitting a large rock--it was a turtle/tortoise in the middle of the road. He did not want to leave it there as he could see no water nearby and the creature had wandered astray.
Thus, he is in our bathtub. We do not know what to do. My son yesterday had said he would get turtle food, and did not. I am giving him pieces of tortilla, cabbage, lettuce, tomato and a little bit of banana, which he loves. In our tub we have placed rocks for him to bask and filled the tub maybe 5". He does not seem to be discontent. But I am worried as this is not a solution.
M thought about bringing him back. We looked in the area and found a canal that most likely was his water source, but we do not know for sure. He has also mentioned bringing him to the yard to see how the 2 dogs do, while supervising. I guess that plan would involve keeping him here, and creating a small pond in the yard, which is possible. We have the same climate/habitat as where he was found, as we are on the outskirts of town. Or I understand people put turtles in large aquariums.
I knew a woman who had a turtle, a large one many years ago. I could never understand the appeal. Now I do.
I am fascinated by him. And he seems taken with me. We watch each other. It is amazing to think that this species is older than the dinosaurs. But I am very anxious that the right thing be done for him.
There is a turtle rescue an hour or so away, who I tried to contact without luck. I do not know if he is a protected species or not. I mentioned the county animal shelter but M does not want this.
But I do not think I want to follow M's lead: He mentioned in passing giving him to somebody who was looking for a turtle to eat or something like that. And in our community there are ethnic groups that use all manner of creature to make medicine.
So I am thinking my most responsible options might either be to learn how to take care of him properly or to find a reserve. But we cannot drive distances and so I do not believe that is a likely alternative.
What are your thoughts? You will help me clarify my own. Thank you.