Q&A for How to Make a Turtle Trap

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  • Question
    How do I know if the turtle is male or female?
    Clint Bartley
    Herpetology Expert
    Clint Bartley is a Herpetology Expert based in Chandler, Indiana. He has over 30 years of experience working with reptiles, and opened Metazotics in 2022, a large reptile breeding facility and specialty store where he oversees a breeding colony of nearly 500 reptiles. Metazotics specializes in reptiles such as colubrids, ball pythons, geckos, tortoises, and more, and serves a national audience with their state-of-the-art online merchandise platform. In particular, Clint is known as an industry leader in Asian rat snake and black rat snake mutations. Clint has successfully reproduced more than 60 species of reptiles in captivity. He was the second person in the United States to produce Archelaphe bella chapaensis (bell rat snakes), and the first person in the U.S. to produce them twice. Metazotics carries a comprehensive line of supplies and habitats, offers all bioactive enclosure needs, and works with local organizations to further their knowledge and understanding of reptiles.
    Herpetology Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can distinguish between male and female turtles based on their carapace. First, note the size and shape, with females typically having larger and broader shells. Look for the vent, which is closer to the edge in females and closer to the center in males. Additionally, examine the plastron, where males may have a slightly concave underside, and check the length of the claws, which are often longer in males. Consider any species-specific characteristics and consult guides or experts for clarification if needed.
  • Question
    How will I know if it has a disease?
    Bunnycorn Murderer
    Community Answer
    You can take it to a vet, or check or any unusual bumps, scars, or behaviors.
  • Question
    I have two ponds with lots of slider turtles in them. Do these do harm to my fish population? What about the snapping turtles effect?
    Animal Expert101
    Community Answer
    The turtles eat fish and hatchlings love fish eggs. Fish is their main diet, but remember nature is nature.
  • Question
    I have a 3 acre pond and I'm seeing upwards of 50 turtles in the pond. Should I trap some of these out?
    Community Answer
    Only if you need them out of the pond for one reason or another. If you are okay with them in your pond, let them be.
  • Question
    What do I do if I caught a protected species? Can I eat it or must I release it back?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    Please don't eat it, protected species are protected for a reason! Don't make it into a pet either. Carefully release it back where you found it.
  • Question
    I have tried looking for a turtle, but I can't seem to find one. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    If you are looking for one in the wild, don't keep it because that is illegal. If you want a turtle, contact a seller or go to a pet shop.
  • Question
    Are turtles good for farm ponds?
    Community Answer
    Yes.
  • Question
    I have a 7 acre lake on my land if I catch a turtle there can I keep it as a pet?
    Luanne Golamis
    Community Answer
    Normally animals in the wild do not do well when captured to become pets. First, it can cause them stress and they will become unhealthy. Second, most wild animals carry parasites that can cause problems for your family and other pets. If you want to catch one and look at it or observe it for a day, that should be fine as long as you wash you hands after handling it and keep it away from other pets. You should release it after the day. If you want a pet turtle, it's best to research what you will need to care for it and buy it from a reputable breeder or store.
  • Question
    What do wild red eared sliders eat?
    FutureHow
    Community Answer
    They usually eat things like snails, earthworms, crickets, berries, aquatic plants, dandelions, and other plants.
  • Question
    Are turtles good for farm ponds? You said yes, but not why they are good for farm ponds?
    Shyana Johnson
    Community Answer
    They are good for farm ponds because they can help regulate fish populations and they add a lively effect to your pond. They also eat bugs, and they can regulate that as well.
  • Question
    How do you keep your dog away from your turtle if it lives in the backyard?
    The Write Advice
    Community Answer
    Try putting a fence between the dogs and the turtle’s pond (or tortoise’s enclosure). If that’s not an option for you, then perhaps you could dog-proof your pond or enclosure. Chicken-wire, electric fence (not a powerful one, just one to keep away rodents), small fence, etc. You could also try some basic training with your dog to try and get it to ignore the turtle or tortoise. If none of these methods work for you, perhaps you could consider moving your tortoise or turtle inside.
  • Question
    I have two small ponds with lots of turtles. The ponds are not very deep. I have two swans also. Do turtles eat baby swans, cygnets?
    Amber Rodrigues
    Community Answer
    Snapping turtles eat baby swans, but if they aren't snapping turtles then you should be fine.
  • Question
    My dog keeps trying to get to my turtle. What do I do?
    Cucumberry
    Community Answer
    Relocate your turtle's cage to a place where the dog cannot get to it. When the turtle is out, make sure that there is somebody in the room. If your dog keeps trying to get to the turtle, say "No!" in a firm way but do not yell at the dog.
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