Updated: Cumberland Slider Turtle Help

[CindyinSD]

As a stand-in for a photo of Tilly/Tillford (ggg) I offer this stock photo harvested from an online pet store. I thought it would save my fellow curiosity seekers a few moments of time.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

 

[HeatherKellyB]

 

[HeatherKellyB]

 

[HeatherKellyB]

My apologies for the delay but I wanted to share a few pictures of Tilly. We're trying to come up with other names in case this is a boy. The tail doesn't look big to me, but I have nothing to compare it to

 

[CindyinSD]

View attachment 2103071

Awwww, little cutie!

 

[Bunnylady]

 

[HeatherKellyB]

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Does anyone have any ideas on the gender? Tilly does have some nails but they're minimal. It's more difficult because I don't have any to compare.

 

[Painted Calls]

I had a very strong feeling you had a slider/painted when you said you found it in water. That's why I wanted to see pictures.

My goodness hatchling turtles get me every time. So adorable!

Here's where you're probably not going to like me.... Aquatic turtles make HORRIBLE pets. Unlike box turtles, these turtles require a large aquarium/pond and spend most of their time in the water. You will still need the same lighting I mentioned. But now you also need filtration. Even with filtration, you will need to change water weekly. They are messy eaters and messier poopers. That water will get stinky nasty, fast.

On top of the smelly water, this species of slider will get BIG if it's a female. You will need a large aquarium if she's to be kept indoors. Big turtle and big tank = more filtration.

Now if you're ok with all the maintenance and the big (and long term) commitment, go for it! Join a herp forum and dive into learning about your new pet.

If aquatic turtle care isn't a good fit for you, it would be best to put her back where you found her. Once she's been in captivity for a long period, she can't be released back into the wild. She would have to essentially find a new home if you decide later she's not a good fit. It is *hard* to rehome aquatic turtles.

If you decide to keep her, update us with photos later. Once she's a bit bigger I'll be able to better guess gender.

She's a cutie!!!