release of eastern box turtles

Question
I have 2 eastern box turtles that were given to me. One is around 1 year and the other maybe 3 years. I want to release them into the wild but it is October now and getting cold. Can this be done at this time of year? Also, my parents live on a huge farm and that is where I would prefer to let them go. Please help..
Dina

Answer
I am not a big fan of releasing captive turtles- they have many strikes against them, including carrying disease that the wild population won't be resistant to.

However, releasing them on your parent's farm would not be as big of a concern. It is a little late in the year, but release them in a sunny spot ideally near a south-facing hill or the edge of some woods.