Hi everyone, I'm a new member . I have two baby Painted turtles that will be one year old this June. I was thinking about building and outside pool for them in my yard. Does anyone have that? I live in RI. I might make it a year round home for them. I'm still not sure about that. I do enjoy having them in the house, they are the talk of the night when ever I have company over for dinner. Does anyone have any thoughts about an outside pool? I know that I would have to do something so that they can't run away, but I was wondering if I wanted to make it a year round pond, what kind of bottom would they need to hibernate in? I need any help that anyone can give me, or can someone lead me in the right direction like a good book etc. I want to keep them safe. I do belive I have both a male and female. Mona(male) and Lisa(female). Mona is smaller and I got he first and Lisa has out grown Mona like you can't believe.

I beleive Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are native as far north as southern canada, and can hibernate for sometimes up to six months. I'm also not positive how big these guys get, but most likely anywhere from 6"-9" shell length, and this has to be taken into account for the size of the pond
As for the colder months, in the wild they would burrow into the mud, submerged in up to 3 ft of mud under less than 6 ft of water. I believe the pond needs to be at least 4' deep to allow hibernation, and most likely there would have to be some type of mud, or something else to burrow into. additionaly, it has to be big enough that it does'nt freeze over. which probaly means at the least a 1000 gallon pond.
There does have to be a fence, but the fence really does not have to be taller then 2'.
However, if you have the space, and these are your only reptiles, i would actualy suggest building the pond, but only housing them there for the warmer months, and then having a tank inside to bring them in during the colder months. that way you can enjoy them year round.

When the turtles go into hibernation, its like not having your pet for 5 months. if there such a big hit with everyone, would you really want to chance any complications with the weather and leave them outside the whole time.
Turtles don't require a hibernation period, its only done where it gets too cold for them to thrive.

Also, would you know what subspecies the painted turtles are, there are 4, Eastern, Southern, Midland, and Western.

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I know that one of the turtls(Mona) is from this area becuase she was recused at my school and given to me to take care of. I was the Jr/High science teacher at the time. I have retired along with Mona. Lisa on the other hand I boughton line. I got her through a place form Flordia. What subspecies she is I' not sure. Is there a size differnce in any of the species? Or is it just the markings?

Chances are the one rescued is an Eastern painted turtle, as for telling the subspecies apart, heres a good article on the four subspecies: Differentiating Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta ssp)  - Darrell Senneke
hope that helps.

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