Hello everyone! My parents found a turtle crossing the highway, they picked it up with the intention of releasing it in a safer location. They put it in a wheel barrel with water and a rock and gave it some lettuce to eat. I went over to their house today to have a better look at it. I believe its a female RES that has been in captivity, there is some damage to the top back part of her shell, I dont know what its called but its common with captive turtle kept in inadaquate conditions, the back of the shell in yellow and thin and curling under. It looks like some of the damage has started to repair its self. Anyway, I have decided to keep her now that I know she was raised in captivity. Her shell is about 8in long and she seems to be pretty used to people. I was already in the process of building a 1000 gallon pond in my back yard so that should be perfect for her.
I am open to any and all advice! I have a little experience with turtles, but have never tried to build an outdoor habitat for one this big. How do I keep her in the pond/garden area so she doesn't end up back on the road. I have a friend who works for a vet who is very knowledgable about turtles, I am going to have her take a look at her shell to see what can be done at this point for her shell. Thank you in advance!
