Hey from WI

[Kurt]

Yeah they are beautiful, but then again so are our two subspecies here in Massachusetts. The southerns rule too!

[BufoBufo10]

Yeah, Earl laid 9 eggs but only 6 or 7 r alive now. I did a lot of research but I think they will all come out as males because of the temperatures.
I am a huge turtle fanatic and the southerns do rule but my faves are Diamondbacks. They r so beautiful! Ive neveR heard of Western Painted Sliders, though. I didn't know there were such things. Ive only heard of yellowbellied sliders and red eared sliders. I also love cooters. Basically the only turtles I don't like are softshells. They just creep me out, to be honest. But I dont really have anything against them.

[John]

Western Painted Slider = Western Painted Turtle. Slider in and of itself is just another name for one of these groups of turtles. The only names that matter are scientific names. The point Kurt and I were making is that we both like these. I'd be very tempted to adopt a baby from you. Note I said adopt because it's illegal to "sell" turtles under 4 inches carapace length due to the increased Salmonella risk in youngsters but to the best of my knowledge there is no law against adopting one and paying an adoption fee.

[Kurt]

Its is legal to by them for "educational" purposes. I buy all my turtles that way. Its the only way to get captive bred turtles. I have a Florida box turtle and a Florida soft-shell turtle.

Oh BTW, they have diamondback terrapins on display at the New England Wildlife Center. Its where the New England Herpetological Society meets.

[BufoBufo10]

Oh, wow I am learning all kinds of things today.
But my daddy told me it was 6 inches, although I have read and heard a lot that it is indeed 4. This law was passed in '73, I think. Granted I am not the sharpest pitchfork in the shed.

[Kurt]

It is 4" and I am not sure when the law was passed but I think you got it right.

[BufoBufo10]

Good, I knew that something in there was right.