Terrapins

[red rubies]

Does anyone own or know anything about Terrapins please. Its just the idiot neighbours have bought some and have now got bored and are trying to get rid of them. They are only babies and from what she has said she has only been feeding them on leaves. They also live outside in a small tank.
Anyway, I have looked quickly on google but if anyone could give me some quick info then I would be really grateful
Thanks.

[lankeela]

They will be ok outside if it is warm but once the weather cools down they need to be kept indoors. You can get specific terrapin food from pet shops, but you can give them fish food (the floating sticks or pellets are ideal).

They need to be able to get in and out of the water as they like to bask in the sun or under heat.

Take care handling as they can nip, and they can grow to quite a size.

Hope you are able to take them on and give them a good home, as they are fascinating pets.

[hammerman]

"feeding them on leaves" !!!!! good grief, some people just should not be allowed to keep animals.

Generally speaking, terrapins are piscavores (eat fish) although they will adapt to any pellets or meaty food such as cat food.
I had 3 in the pond at work for many years and they survived some pretty harsh winters....but this is not to be recommended and a water and air temp of around 70 deg is fine.

They love basking in the sun so i'm not sure if a UV lamp or heat lamp would be needed.....this could possibly help strengthen their shell.

They are extremely messy feeders and their home needs cleaning out regularly. However, their mouths are reported to carry salmanella so please wear rubber gloves or wash hand thoroughly after handling them.

Probably the best thing to do is to find a local reptile shop in your area and go and have a chat with them in person.

[someonesgirl]

they smell