General Care Discussion :: New Turtle Owner

[Pipes5780]

Hi,

I am hoping someone can give me some general guidance here.

We "adopted" a 2-yr old RES this weekend from a couple in the neighborhood that could no longer care for it. For the most part the transition has been perfect, however there are a couple things that concerned me. First off, the turtle has had a regular diet of 1-goldfish per day. As my research has showed me this is anything but a good thing. However my concern is also that considering that she has been eating nothing but goldfish is how do I get her to eat anything else?

Secondly, when we got her, she came with 4 very large goldfish that we were told were her friends. Well, 2 days later, one of these friends became breakfast. Is it in any way a good idea for me to continue letting the other 3 share the tank with the turtle?

Thanks,

Andy

[xfallwithmexo]

Hello,
I recommend adding some veggies such as lettuce to the diet. Definitely get some pellets mixed in, popular brands are zoomed and reptomin.

As for the goldfish, fish are food, not friends! I have fish in my tank as friends, but I know that in the end they will eventually become food. So it's up to you on if you really like the fish or not.

[steve]

Welcome to the site! I agree with xfallwithmexo. The turtle has been fed a spoiled and unhealthy diet. Keep the goldfish aside for now and try the pellets/veggies. If that doesn't work then use up the remaining fish (unless you want to keep a separate tank for them). Once that's done, then stick to the pellets/veggies. The turtle will probably refuse at first but keep at it.