Adding Turtles to Oklahoma City and Surrounding Area Koi Ponds & Water Features

Red Eared Slider

Smooth Softshell Turtle

Stinkpot Turtle

Turtles can make an excellent addition to your Oklahoma backyard ecosystem koi pond.  They are quiet, happy creatures that require little maintenance or care and have an extremely long lifespan. The best type is aquatic, as they will rapidly acclimate themselves to the Oklahoma ponds and water feature environment. Below are some additional things you’ll need to know.

​Climate And Plants

​Another thing to consider when adding turtles to your Oklahoma pond is the climate and plants. Those living in the north where winters are cold might only be able to live outside during spring and summer. Unlike fish, turtles have little protection against freezing temperatures, and although they can hibernate outside, doing so can be risky. The best solution is to bring your turtles indoors until spring. Here in Oklahoma we leave our turtles out except for those few occasions we get extremely cold for an extended period of time.

Turtles can deal serious damage to your plants, especially the aquatic ones. This is because they enjoy eating them, so you have to be mindful of the type of plants you have. The best plants for turtles are water hyacinth, tape grass, fairy moss, and water lettuce.

​Turtle Necessities

​Turtles require a specific pond depth, which varies based on the species. All turtles should be given access to water that has a big surface area, as this exposes them to greater oxygen levels. Red ear slider turtles prefer deep water, while others like their water to be shallow. This is why it is essential to know the preferences of the species you intend to buy.

Ideally, the Oklahoma turtle pond should have different water levels with ledges. This would include an area which is shallow where the turtle could rest with its head sticking out of the water, logs work great for this, and a deeper spot where they can be submerge.

Since turtles have sharp claws, you will want to get a pond liner that is stronger than usual, preferably one that has additional padding or even a preformed. Turtles also need an area where they can bask, and since they like to walk on land from time to time, including a “beach” for them is highly recommended.

How Turtles Interact With Koi Fish 

​Fish such as koi are widely popular for backyard ponds. However, those who intend to add turtles to the same environment must exercise caution. The reason for this is because despite the slow, lethargic appearance of turtles, they are in fact outstanding hunters. They will not be intimidated by the size of koi or catfish, and might even try to nibble on them.

While most turtles will be unable to take down a large fish, the injuries they inflict could lead to infection. Smaller fish such as goldfish or guppies could be eaten entirely. Furthermore, adding turtles and fish to the same pond requires lots of space and greater attention to water cleanliness than usual. We usually do not put turtles and fish in the same pond for this reason.

​How To Contain Turtles In Oklahoma Backyard Ponds & Water Features

​The last consideration is fencing. If you already have turtles, fencing-in your Oklahoma pond or water feature will prevent most predators from getting in and keep the turtles from escaping. If your pond is not fenced in, there is greater chance wild turtles will find your pond, but know that they may only be temporary residents. Turtles love to wander and explore, and it is encouraged that you don’t overly restrict their natural freedom when it’s not necessary, such as in the case of a rescued and rehabilitating turtle.

To learn more about the different species of water turtles found in Oklahoma and how to identify them see the link below.
How to identify Oklahoma Water Turtles.

For more info contact us

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