Baby Turtles in Need!

[Amyelaine]

Hello Everyone,

This story starts out with me walking to my car at about 7 am two days ago and I notice a small tank besides our dumpster. Inside the tank were two very small what I believe to be red slider turtles. I brought them into the house and at lunch took them into the pet store to see if anyone can help these poor little guys. The Lady at the counter who I see on a regular basis goes on to tell me that these turtles are illegal because of there size and that they cannot take them in. I went on to ask what a basic set up for these guys would be. She told me that it would be over a hundred bucks. I know nothing about turtles so this is the only thing that I could think of doing. She informed me that the turtles look very very young and that without a heater and flor. light she was suprised that they have made it this long. Some guys that have been living in my apartment complex moved out this week so I think the bastards just left them to die by the dumpster. I really want to help the little guys out but I cannot afford a set up for them and I dont know what else to do.

So here's the offer, is there anyone in the southern California area that would like two REALLY cute baby turtles let me know!

Thanks
Amy

[The_Omen]

Hi Amy,
Try this page, Redsliders swamp (http://reslider.online.fr/res.html) , it's chock full of RES info.

[LISA127]

If u decide to keep them, u can buy a rubbermaid tub, they are really cheap. Should be just a few dollars. Just suspend the heat lamp on the side and lay the UVB lamp across the top. Much cheaper than aquariums.

[Darlene]

Here's a couple other great sites :
www.tortoise.org/general/watcare.html
www.turtle.net

If they are Red Eared Sliders (RES) then you will find they are not a difficult nor expensive turtle to care for. You will also find they have wonderful little personalities & are very entertaining. You will also find more info in the general turtle/tortoise forum here. best of luck to you & please let us know how it goes. Dar.

[Wilma]

I wish I could help! Please let me know what ends up happening to them...

The rubbermaid bin is a great idea, and they will stay small enough for a sweater box for about six months. If you can't afford the heat lamp I found a clamp lamp from a hardware store with a 50 watt flood light bulb init works great... set up a simple filter for now, one of those corner filters that only need filter floss and charcol?
The turtle pellets can be broken to be small enough and you cna get a normal flouresent light fixture and take use the proper bulb in it.

This should cut your costs to;

Rubbermaid or storage box- 7$
heat lamp- 7 calmp lamp, 1-2$ bulb
flrst fixture- 7$
Bulb - 20-30$
Filter- 10$ ( usually comes with the first instalment of filter media)
rocks- (to build up a basking area) free

Brings the total to about 52$ (CANADIAN) for a temperary set-up

GOOD LUCK!