Turtles...

Question
QUESTION: Hi Robyn,

I have recently noticed that our outdoor, 8,500 gallon lined pond, has an Eastern Painted Turtle; that has now taken up residence.  I have Koi and Comets in my pond.  I guess it comes as no surprise that suddenly fish are missing.  I would guess that Mr. Turtle is having his fill.

Could you give me any information how much of a problem this turtle will be for my pond and it's other inhabitants?  Will there likely be any buddies of "Mr. Turtles," that will eventually join him, in the pond?  Since I have not seen the underneath of the turtle to determine the sex, by the shape of the shell, I will just call him, Mister for now.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.  I hate to see the loss of my Koi, since their expense can run high.  The loss of a large Koi or even my smaller Comets, is a real disappointment, since they bring such enjoyment to the pond experience.

P.S.  My pond "wall" is about 8 inches high and higher at other points.  I have 4 connecting ponds that cascade down the hill in our backyard, with BioFall at the top and Skimmer at the bottom.  The first three ponds are smaller, emptying into the larger pond at the bottom, where the turtle has decided to reside.

Very Sincerely,
Heather M   (By the way, Happy Fourth of July!)

ANSWER: As far as turtles in a fish pond, the painted turtle is a good one to have.  They mostly eat insects and worms but will take some small fish.  They are less likely to do damage to fish or rip fins on those they don't eat than the common red-eared sliders. They also don't do much plant damage.  I added a large female painted turtle to my pond a few years ago that someone rescued.  She stayed two days and ran away never to be seen again.  

Are the missing fish little ones or big ones?  If the big fish are missing, I wouldn't blame the turtle.  There might be another predator at work.

It's hard to say if other turtles will show up.  It would be a total guess.  The easiest way to sex an adult aquatic turtle is by the front nails.  If they're normal length, it's a female.  If they're super long, it's male.  Female painteds are larger than males.  I really doubt the painted turtle would harm your larger fish aside from a nip on the fins now and again.

Check out these pages on my web site:

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/painted.htm

http://www.fishpondinfo.com/turtles/turpond.htm (the photo at the top has a painted turtle with fish in the pond)

I thought I had a section on turtles and fish together but I can't find it.  I guess I should write one if I ever had any time.

It sounds like you have a nice pond setup!  If I were a turtle, I'd visit too.

Be glad you don't have a snapping turtle!

Good luck!
Robyn

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Robyn,

Thanks for answering my previous question so thoroughly.  As I sat by the pond this morning, unfortunately I watched as the turtle chased a Comet goldfish (about 1 3/4 inches long) all over the pond.  He caught the Comet and chomped it in half.  He proceeded onto the next target, catching that Comet and disappearing under the water.  This turtle has got to go....I just can't deal with this kind of predation.

Now I ask...how do I "catch" this turtle and find him another home...preferably about 10 miles down the road?  I know that another turtle may take up residence, but I just can't deal with this destruction.  I need your help.

Thanks so much, Heather

Answer
Painted turtles aren't too aggressive compared to some other turtles.  If you get a large pond net, you may be able to get him up against the pond wall.  Then, lift him into a large bucket.  The turtle will "hiss" and may try to bite but they can only bend their heads so much.  They move well in water but not so much on land.  Once you have him, move him to a large natural body of freshwater not too far away.  Turtles do move around but tend to want to go home.  We don't know where home is for this turtle though.  If the pond you find is a private residence, it would be better if you can ask their permission.  Otherwise, you could also contact your local pond or turtle club.  Where do you live?  I'm sure someone would want him.  Then, though, he'd probably be captive for life when he's obviously got a lot of wild in him chasing your fish like that.  Good luck!