I have a VERY small pond built and stocked last fall. Recently a LARGE turtle moved in. Is he a benifit or should I move him out? Is he a scavenger or will he eat my fish and crawfish? He seems to enjoy Gamefish chow pretty good. I don't mind feeding him,but I don't want him to eat my stock. Can you offer any advice? THANKS

I have a small pond too (about 1/3 acre), I like to have one or two turtles to eat the dead fish and so on. I wouldn't want any more than that though.
I doubt seriously that he will bother your stock. My advice would be to leave him alone until you see more than one or two, then you can thin them out.

Larry

I agree with Larry, normally turtles will feed on dead or weak fish in ponds and therefore are actually doing us a favor. I have 1 small turtle in my 1/3 acre pond and kinda like seeing him come up when I get home from work and feed the fish. Plus my daughters wouldn't think about me getting rid of him! Bob

My wife has them named now..they seem to eat the fish pellets right along with the fish

How large is "LARGE"? Is it one of the common painted turtles or is it one of the "MONSTER" snapping turtles? The little ones are fun to watch as they get right in the middle of all the bluegill turmoil at feeding time and the grandkids sure do like to watch and feed them. I am concerned about the larger snappers with the little kids and have removed and "relocated" several dozen over the past several years. I think it is up to each individual pond owner and his goals wether the turtles stay or are removed.