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Joe[_12_] · 17-07-2010, 05:39 PM posted to rec.ponds.moderated

wrote:

Hello Everybody!
I have found in the road a beautiful small turtle (black with red on
the neck). I picked it up and thought it would be a nice add-on to the
pond. I have had misgivings since and thought I would check with you.
It is a good idea? Will it eat my fish, my plants? How will it
hibernate?
Information please on turtles in pond...
Martine in Ottawa

Hi Martine,

Sounds like a red eared slider. Don't know if those are indigenous to
Ottawa, so the first thing you need to do is make sure it's not someone's
pet.

They do make interesting additions to the pond and will get to recognize
you. Mine paddles right up to me when I get in the pond to clean. Looking
for a morsel no doubt.

They will eat your fish if they can catch them. However, assuming what you
have are koi or the faster variety of goldfish like Shubunkin I wouldn't
worry about that. Fancy "tubby" goldfish are another matter.

As someone else mentioned, they will go out for a walk. Unless you have an
enclosed yard he will likely one day be gone, off looking for a mate.

I feed mine small cocktail shrimp about every second day and all the koi
kibble he can get.

He will hibernate in your pond. You need to be sure the water doesn't freeze
right to the bottom, but if you have fish I assume this isn't a problem for
you.

Good luck!

San Diego Joe
4,000 - 5,000 Gallons.
Koi, Goldfish, and RES named Colombo.