General Care Discussion :: 2 New Baby Sliders

[nutellaturtle]

Hey there, I just adopted two baby RES about a week ago from a friend of mine. She bought two hatchlings from Chinatown and was overwhelmed when she learned how big they would eventually get and how much care and equipment they require. Both turtles are just over an inch in diameter and seem to have healthy appetites. I've been feeding them Reptomin Baby sticks, about 3-4 a day each as well as the occasional Fluker's cricket and some of ZooMed's turtle treats. They also receive red-leaf lettuce and kale on a daily basis as well as some of one of a variety of other vegetables such as carrots, tomatos, red peppers, etc. Unfortunately, due to my current living situation they are currently in about a 5 gal tank, but when I move at the end of the month they will be moving into a 100 gal tank that should be suitable for them for the next two years. As far as I know, they've been without UVB light for about a month. Today I set up a 100 watt ZooMed PowerSun light above their basking area. I keep the water in their tank at about 80 degrees.

Overall, I just want to know if the turtles seem healthy and if the diet/environment I'm providing them with is healthy. I'm concerned with some white spots on the shells of the turtles as well as some grayish discoloration that seems to be present in between the scutes. There shells also feel a little soft, but that may just be because they're so young? Below are some pictures of the turtles.

Screen Shot 2012-07-13 at 11.02.22 PM.png (161.64 KiB) Viewed 1407 times

Screen Shot 2012-07-13 at 11.02.39 PM.png (187.88 KiB) Viewed 1407 times

Also, since I'm feeding them Reptomin Baby should I provide them with a cuttlebone? Or do they get enough calcium as is?

Thanks c:

[Linus]

The one on the bottom is not an RES and is actually a Yellow Belly Slider. Same care though.

Have you checked out the care sheets this website provides?

BTW: No more crickets or Zoo Med Treats. They are all too fatty/protieny and make the turtles grow too fast.

[natealie]

I would probably avoid the tomato. Fruits in general are something that should only be given on occasion. Also, they are still quite young and I think a 100Watt light may be a little too much for them at this time, especially in a 5 gallon tank. You may want to switch it out with a 50Watt for the time being, as it should provide plenty of heat for them. Something I like to give my turtles as a food is carrots- you might take a peeler to them or purchase "matchstick" size carrot pieces for your kids to eat.

It sounds like you have the general idea down for what needs to be done. As long as they have their proper heating, UVB, filtration, and a place to bask, you should be fine in the 5 gallon for a month or two (since you said you were moving them out of it within the month). I'm glad your friend quickly realized what a lifelong commitment these pets are and that it can be overwhelming. It's just a shame that they sell them in Chinatown in the first place, especially as hatchlings.