General Care Discussion :: Growth

[cinwin1]

Hi,
I bought my 2 turtles feb 05 - they were approx 1 1/4 inchs long - its almost been a year - i love them - they are soooo funny-

the question is - they are now 2 1/4 long......is this considered "normal" growth for the time span?

i have them in room temperature water with a basking light on approx 6-8 hrs a day .... we live in S Cal - so its not very cold water

thank you
cinwin1

[kneecole]

I'd say you should be leaving the light on for 10-12 hours. But other than that I have no idea what the average growth rate is.

[sonyj]

Average growth per year is around an inch, with turtles growing a little more than this during their first year and early life. Many owners overfeed so their turtles at a year are much bigger than this. But if you are feeding a well balanced diet pellets every other day with veggies daily, and they have a good habitat then I'd say your turtles are fine.

And as Kneecole said, Lights should be on at least 10 hours-12 hours. Your turtle needs a day night cycle that is similar to nature. Just be sure that their water is between 72-75 and it should be okay.

[marisa]

Growth can vary with genetics and living conditions. Turtles generally grow the fastest and most in the first three years of life, then more slowly after that. Slow, but steady growth is best.

An average of 12 hours a day for lights is OK, a little less in the winter when days are shorter, and slightly more in the summer months when days are longer.