This AM we added 20 New Red Ear Slider Sliders and 1 Cooter to our resort's ponds. We have 6 fairly large ponds where we live. We split up the RESs between two of the ponds while we added the Cooter to another. I wanted the Cooter kept separated to prevent hybridization. Unfortunately, I noticed that one of the sliders was deformed, probably due to a lack of sunlight and proper calcium. This probable male has reached about 7 inches in length, so this developmental problem has been long term - shame on those who kept this one improperly. These turtles were received through the California Tortoise and Turtle Club in San Diego, about 90 minute drive from our home in Aguanga. Their representative was kind enough to drive all the way out here and help me introduce our newest residents to their new home. They took to the water with alacrity, their heads bobbing up almost immediately. The San Diego CTTC still has another 20 or so available, but I didn't want to over populate our ponds. I'm trying to save our other three ponds for other turtles, such as Painter Turtles, or whatever else may be tempting in the future. I've wanted to begin this project for nearly two years now. The next warm weather we have, the turtles and I can sit out in the sunshine and just bask. Ahhh.
