desert baby turtles

Question
I have had my turtles now for 2 years and want to know if they are old enough to leave outside, I live in the so. calif. area
thank you

Answer
Hi Jim,

I am not an expert on desert tortoises, but I can help you find information.

Here is a link to a care sheet for adult and hatchlings:

http://www.tortoise.org/general/descare.html#young

I think they are old enough, but I'm not certain about one thing so I will let you decide.  I'm concerned about predators.  I'm not sure what kind of predators are in your area.  Do you have raccoons?  Coyotes?  Dogs that can get into your yard?

Baby turtles are too easily picked up and carried off my other animals.  Until they are big enough that a dog can't fit them in their mouth, you'll want to protect them from predators.  

If there are no dogs nearby, you can let the roam during the day and then bring them in at night (just don't forget!) or you could build an outdoor pen for them.  If you need help doing that, let me know.  

-Amanda