General Care Discussion :: Noob Turtle Owner Questions.

[Pedromman]

Hello there fellow Turtle Lovers.
I recently convinced my parents that I was responsible enough to take care of my own turtle.
Unfortunately, My sisters started to cry in the store, So we ended up with four.
I have some questions that are concerning me, and I thought this would be the perfect place to ask.
My youngest sisters turtle Named rose will not eat.
We've had these turtle for about a month, and the only thing that I have seen this turtle eat is one fly.
The other three eat there two pellets every other day (As we were told to feed them). Could it be eating the others poop? I'm not sure, but it may be a possibility seeing as how it really hasn't eating anything. If it is eating poop, Is that bad? If it is, how can I stop it?

Also, I see that my turtles shells are a bit soft on the top and bottom. Is this normal? And when will it grow hard and sturdy.

Also, My sisters have been BUGGING me on no end to ask when the little turtles will go through a growth spurt.

Well, thank you for listening to my Questions. And thanks for the future questions. =D

Here are some pictures =D






*Note* This isn't there home, I just let them out for a little swim in a big tub.

This is the one that does not eat, It shell is a very light color if that has to do with anything.

[marisa]

What kind of set-up do you have for them? Do they have all the necessary equipment? You do realize that they're going to need a really big enclosure when they're grown...(think pond).

It would be good to take some time and do some reading about the basic care of your turtles.

The light color doesn't have anything to do with the appetite. The turtle could very well be eating the other's poop. If they're healthy, it won't hurt the turtle. But you do want to get the turtle eating other foods... (Look at the info on what's good to feed.)

A small hatchling's shell tends to be a little more pliable than that of older turtles (it hardens at around a year), especially the scutes in the rear over the tail. This does not mean, however, that a really soft shell is normal (hard to tell from what you wrote how soft the shells are). Hatchlings need more calcium in their diets than older turtles to promote healthy shell growth.

If a hatchling eats a lot, a growth spurt is likely. BUT, you don't necessarily want to see this---slow, steady growth is best.

[Pedromman]

Well, The thing is that about 2 years ago, I researched these animals like schoolwork. The thing is my parents do not like it when I act like a "know it all" So they wouldn't listen when I said that we would need a HUGE tank for them when they are all grown up. We are planning on moving back to America soon, and there I plan on buying a 150 Gallon Tank, and somehow giving up a Turtle to a family member or friend. At the little store we got them at they gave us a tiny little Hectagon Glass box, One side with water, One side with (Not eatable size) Gravel. This setup is only temporary until the move back to America. The Turtles are very tiny as of now, so I do not think they mind being is close quarters for now, but for Hours of the day I let them swim in a huge 30-40 Gallon-ish Tub and wander around in the sun.
Frankly the pet shop was stupid, because they said that these turtles need no Basking light. That I disagreed with but when I did my father gave me a dirty look. So I let them run around in the sun for a couple of hours.
Here in Guatemala the Vegetables are plentiful, so they are not only getting pellets, but cabbage, lettuce, radish, banana, apples. But not too often, the only veggie they get regularly is lettuce.

Also, Not only did I realize that the shells are soft, but there is a tiny bit of discoloration. There undershell is bendable to a small extent while moist, but tougher when dry.
I'm doing my best to keep these turtles comfy and in livable conditions, but in this country no one cares about the turtles well being, they only care about money. People here as a hobby put fire at the back side of a turtle and see if it will come out.of it's shell. It's disgusting.

Thank your for your answers =D
And Thanks from Pistachio, Rose, Stewie and Skater.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Will you be able to import the turtles back into America? You might need to check some state and federal laws to see ...

And in the future, instead of seeming like a "know-it-all", you need to offer suggestions. So rather than say, "They should have a basking light," you wait until you get home and after a day or two, say something like, "Wow, the turtles sure enjoy their time in the sun, maybe we can get them a light for their tank?" Learning the skill of persuasion will help you out greatly in the future!

Their shells should be softer in the water, slightly harder out, not hard as a rock yet, though, since they are really little. 150 gallons sadly will not accommodate 4 full grown turtles (8x4x10 = 320 gallons, 12x4x10 = 480 gallons), it will be barely enough for 2. However, since your sisters have taken an interest, maybe you can have 2 tanks? One in their room, one in yours? It's a possibility. Besides, you may need to separate them once you find out their genders. Their shells may not be in the best condition because of how they've been kept. Try to get them some cuttlebone (persuasion technique, have one of your sisters tell your parents that she heard that turtles love it as a treat?) so they can get their shells back to full strength. And just try to keep them as best as you can, it sounds like you're off to a good start!

[Pedromman]

Well, Like I said, We will be giving up one for sure, but maybe we should just consider two tanks.

How many hours a day should I let them swim, and enjoy the sun? I really hate to enclose them in that little Box all day.

[Nettle]

Well, turtles love to swim. The more swimming room, the happier the turtle. I'd just try to let them swim for at least 3 hours a day and bask at least 2 hours a day. I'm just eye-balling it (feel free to correct me). Hope it works out in the end.

In case you hadn't found it, here's the main site:
http://www.redearslider.com/

[TheComputerGremlin]

Just make sure that if they are out enjoying the sun that they have 1) a water source and 2) a shady place. That way they can regulate their own bodies. And make sure the water doesn't get too hot too. I don't think there is any harm to letting them outside as long as the previous conditions are met. You can also try to make them a better habitat using materials that you can get without too much expense. If your crafty, an above tank basking area is always appreciated, and you can use a large plastic bin as a tank if needed. Browse the forums and photos.

[DocShay]

Ever think to get your dad to come read the care sections on here? Or other websites?

Multiple people don't spend enormous amounts of money for servers, websites and all those other fee's to give misinformation about turtles - Show him a few websites that have the same information as here, and maybe he'll understand that in a few years - your turtles that are the size of a quarter now, will be the size of a small dish, and they need uva/uvb light to survive properly.


I hope this situation doesn't turn out to be another "the small cute turtle" story...

[Pedromman]

Thanks for all the info guys, But I still haven't convinced my parents to spend 200 Quetzales, (30 Bucks) for a basking lamp.
Thanks for the support though.

Also Nettle, Deathnote Rocks xD

[Nettle]

Ya!! Another Death Note fan!!