General Care Discussion :: Growing too fast??

[chrisinva]

I know I posted these pics before but I was wondering about how fast hatchlings should grow...

This is Cuff on Sept 1st 2008



and this is him/her on Sept 23rd



This is Link Sept 1st 2008



and him/her on Sept 23rd 2008

[TheComputerGremlin]

In the first year or so, an average RES will grow 4" and then only an inch per year thereafter, until they reach what is full grown for them. Just like all babies, they sprout up quickly. What are you feeding them? How much?

I wouldn't worry too much, my little turtle got big pretty fast (like grew from around 1.5" to about 3.5" in around 3-4 months, and then the growth decreased rapidly. It's probably taken a good 6 months to get the next 1/2".

[mat012]

Oh they are so cute. Mine has grown from about 1.5" to 3.5" in about 6 months give or take. Watch for wide seams between the schutes (sp??). That is one indicator that they are growing too fast.

[spaceapple]

I've been wondering: How wide is ok for the seams at that age? My turtles are just about that size, and I've noticed space between the scutes, especially Piper's. I don't think I overfeed them; just 4 pellets and a veggie jello shot per day (with the occasional mini-krill treat).

[steve]

Wide seams at any size would indicate fast growth. There is no precise measurement/formula to this stuff, though visual observation is key. Perhaps you can also weigh them and chart that progress.

[spaceapple]

Hm...maybe I'll just have to post my own pictures! ^_^