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Turtle Pond

  • 12-05-2019 01:54AM
    #1
    quokula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭


    I'm considering getting a turtle to live in my garden pond, after reading a couple of UK based articles stating that there are certain breeds that can handle the weather there and can live in garden ponds all year round.

    Has anyone done this or have any knowledge of it? It's one thing having a breed that can survive the Irish winter, but would it be cruel to them?

    As a complete novice I want to do my research properly and only do it if it makes sense. Wondering if anyone has any experience to share?


Comments

  • #2
    RosieJoe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,535 ✭✭✭RosieJoe


    Festina Lente in Bray have a terrapin sanctuary. They have 2 ponds in the walled garden that have wooden platforms in them for the terrapin to sun them selves on. So it is doable.

    pool-garden.jpg


  • #3
    quokula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭quokula


    Thanks for that, I think I'll try paying them a visit this weekend to have a look.


  • #4
    recedite
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,989 ✭✭✭✭recedite


    Also apparently there are a few in the canals, Phoenix Park and I've seen one in Stephens green pond and one in the Botanic Gardens pond.
    These would be the common American sliders or red-eared type hybrids.
    Possibly a European pond tortoise would also survive, if you could get one.
    It seems they slow down in our climate, and only become active for a short time in the summer. As to whether that is cruel, well its hard to say.


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