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I just got to baby sliders. I really dont know anything about them. They are both very small, but I dont know how old. I have them in a 10 gall. tank for now.

They hardly move!!! I never see them awake. But I know there alive because they move if I hold them or when I come back home they are in a different spot.

When do they become active?

They have not eaten at all. I got them yesterday. Should I be worried. Should I feed them by hand? Or just throw it in the tank?

I want any advice, I feel bad that I know virtually nothing.

what does ur tank look like? how much water is in it? what temp is the water? basking spot?

Have you read any information on the website about the needs of your turtles? Can you tell us about your setup other than the size of your tank. Do you have a heater, basking area, lights.. etc. What is the water temperature? What are you feeding them? Sorry for the questions but before we can help we need a bit of background.

I suggest that you take the time to read the main site and the stickys that are under each section here in the forum. This will get you acquainted with the basic info that you need to know about your RES.

They should be more active than this from the time you get them. Non-activity can be a sign that something is wrong either health-wise or in their habitat. What is the water temperature? What is the temperature on their basking area under the heat bulb? Water temperature that is too cold will slow their metabolism and can cause health problems.

It may take a while for new turtles to get used to their environment, so if they don't eat right away this is normal. But you should try to encourage them to eat by offering them the things they should have. They need to eat in the water since they do not have saliva and a fixed tongue. The water helps to wash the food down. So for now I would drop their food in the tank with them, but be sure that both are getting their equal share. Read the do/do not feed lists under the feeding and nutrition section of the forum. What are you currently offering them?

Ok I got them from a lady...

she told me to put them in a 10 gal. tank with a few river rocks in it. She said to fill the tank with 2 to 3 in. of water. She also gave me food called Tetrafauna RetptoMin. It has retomin staple diet, baby shrimp and mini krill.

I have no idea what the water temp is. I better go buy a thermomoter. I have been reading the website learning about how to care for them.

I have them in my bedroom which is pretty warm and has natural light. I also have a tank with a light on it.

I dont know much about the light.

They totally have their eyes closed all the time. I am getting worried. I went to the Petstore to ask questions on how to care for them but the worker did not help me at all. She did not even mention to watch the water temp.

They have been just sitting on the river rocks. This morning one was sitting on the other. They have not swam at all.

oh they are also just a little over one in. long

Please tell me what my tank should look like.....

Ok, here's what my tank looks like:Koopa's Tank
You can look in the Photo Gallery for more ideas.

You need two lights. A heat light (which can be a regular household bulb in a clamp light) and a UVB bulb that emits 7-10% UVB rays. The basking area should be where the turtles can haul completely out of the water and dry off while basking under the lights. There shouldn't be anything between the lights and basking area to block or filter out the UVB rays such as plastic, screen or glass. Natural lights from windows and such will not help at all.

Do not feed the krill or shrimp more than once a month. It's too high in protein to be used more often than that. A reputable pellet such as Baby Reptomin should be used daily the amount that would fit inside their heads if they were hollow. And only once a day. You can use the shrimp or krill to entice them to eat now since they are adjusting to their home, but once they start eating switch back to pellets.

A submersible water heater is a must if you don't have one. Their water should be at 78 degrees constant for hatchlings with the basking temperature around 88-90. Get a thermometer and measure both temps as this is extremely important to their health.

They need as much water as you can fill the tank without giving them room to escape. You'll also need a good filter rated 2-3x's the size of the tank(filters are rated for fish not turtles - turtles are much messier). Get a basking area that will float with your water level so you can fill the tank.

Having happy, healthy turtles is very important which is why you should really look into setting up their habitat correctly as soon as possible. Remember that as your turtles grow their home must too. Ten gallons of tank per inch of turtle is the minimum they should have, so look into upgrading your set-up as soon as you can.

THanks Sonja
I am on my way to the store right now. I feel so bad for the turtles. I was really lied to but I really like the turtles so it does not matter. Thanks so much

azturtle wrote:THanks Sonja
I am on my way to the store right now. I feel so bad for the turtles. I was really lied to but I really like the turtles so it does not matter. Thanks so much

Most of us were lied to by petstore people or others who think they know what they are talking about. Welcome to the club. I'm glad you're taking our advice seriously and getting the things you need. Your turtles will be much happier and healthier for it

And you said you had two babies. The rule is 10 gallons per inch of shell so you need a min. of a 20 gallon tank. If you look at my pictures of Michelangelo you will see his setup and how big it is. He's a 20 gallon long right now.

Get some fake plants while you are at the store, these help reduce the stress of your turtles by allowing them to hide in them for the sake of them feeling as if no one can see them, which is why I have a lot in Michelangelo's tank in one corner.

They are happy!! I got the new tank all set up and they were swimming. They still have not ate yet but I will give them so time. I am so happy. Thank you soooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!

post some pics if you are able...we all love pics!!!

I'm so glad that they are responding to your care! It's overwhelming at first learning all there is to keeping happy, healthy turtles, but it's really worth it to see them active and swimming. We'd love to see pics if you take any of them.