Found out what was wrong with one of my Lotus's

[Ky Kim]

A turtle.  I noticed everytime I walked by this pot something would jump in.  I didn't give it much thought, figured it was a frog.  I have the pots burried in the ground, so the lip of the pot is just a little above the ground.  There are bite marks all over the pads on the water of this pot/Lotus.  DH is the one that found him, I looked him up and it seems he's a Midland Painted Turtle.

Guess he'll get relocated two streets over to a big ditch with water.  He sure has some pretty colors.


Kim

[Sunbeam56]

We have a similar turtle, locally called a mud turtle, or a stinkpot turtle.
But is all olive green - not as colorful as yours.

Relocate... that's a good idea.

[tranquility]

He is a very pretty little guy...but, I think you'll be glad you relocated him....We tried the turtle thing  but, after he got about the same size your little guy is he started stalking and nipping at Ginger's fins so he got relocated to the community pond at the park....
Lawanna

[Sandye]

He's very pretty, Kim...but I think you should relocate him.     Unless, of course, you want to build him his own pond.  Lotus are awfully expensive turtle food. 

[Ky Kim]

We walked down to that ditch last night. 

Turned him loose, and you could see his trail in the mud on the bottom of the ditch.  He'll have plenty of plant life, mud bottom, and tiny fish in the ditch.  This is the same ditch that I saw the Heron at a few years back.  Its a pretty deep ditch, right now theres only about a foot of water in it. 

I think he will be happy there, I know I will be happier with him there...LOL

Kim

[Jerry]

I have 3 red ears and 4 lotus in the pond.  I see no damage.  I do see damage to the water Lillie's, but they grow so fast it's on no consequence.

[tinkster]

hes way cute!!  I found acouple in my garden last year.. the ones we call tarpins??? I dont think they get in water or bother fish do they??

tinkster

[kitfoxdrvr]

I saw a snapping turtle crossing a five lane hwy on my way to work this morning.  Brought back memories of what we would have had for lunch the next day if my grandpa would have seen him!  More than once, I might add, and not too bad!     I guess they deserve a little of my lotus, as well, though I hope I never get a snapper in one of my ponds!!!