This is basically a rescue turtle that would have been released to the wild without intervention (the fingernail polish on his/her shell is not our doing, nor would we ever allow it, and I refuse to clean it as I have no idea how the chemicals will effect him/her). I am adverse to introducing foreign species to new environs so I volunteered to take him/her. I spoke to some people knowledgable about turtles and did some research on line and I assume it is a Russian, but I would like to narrow the identification so I do not give it too much or too little humidity, etc...
I included a picture of the tank and he/she does not attempt to claw at the side. This is a high volume tank and "Ted" is the only resident. I tried to get my son to give the turtle an androgynous name, until we could be sure of gender, but he was impatient.
Pics are here:
My ultimate plan is to build a hide of heavy flat stone, so that he/she can hide and climb. the half hollow log is his current hide. I also plan to give him frequent forays into the outside world come spring. We do allow him exercise on the living room floor twice weekly (careful that no foreign matter is there that he might consume). The cats have shown some curiosity but have left him unmolested, thanks in part to our dog who has taken it on herself to protect "Ted". Any help would be appreciated.
I included a picture of the tank and he/she does not attempt to claw at the side. This is a high volume tank and "Ted" is the only resident. I tried to get my son to give the turtle an androgynous name, until we could be sure of gender, but he was impatient.
Pics are here:
My ultimate plan is to build a hide of heavy flat stone, so that he/she can hide and climb. the half hollow log is his current hide. I also plan to give him frequent forays into the outside world come spring. We do allow him exercise on the living room floor twice weekly (careful that no foreign matter is there that he might consume). The cats have shown some curiosity but have left him unmolested, thanks in part to our dog who has taken it on herself to protect "Ted". Any help would be appreciated.