General Care Discussion :: found 2 -half dollar size turtles in yard, help

[Giddy]

hi folks,

a friend of mine called me because one of our substitute teachers found 2, half dollar size turtles in her yard this morning. She has NO idea how they got there. Anywho, I was called because we have a rescue beacon shining outside of our house


I offered to take them because I knew I could at least give them some care until finding them a proper home. I do not know what type they are and will be picking them up in the morning..but wanted to prepare as much as possible.


I have on hand, a cycled *if that matters* Eclipse 6 gallon, a ten gallon glass with a 50gph filter I can set up, 2 powerhead pumps, tons of rock, driftwood, shells, filter media, and everything else that goes on with fish care.

Can you please tell me what would be the best way I can set up a tank for these two little guys?

I would much rather use the Eclipse and I am home to give more cleanings, but I understand if I need to go out in the storming crazy CA weather here and scrub the ten gallon.

I have lots of quality dried food and good sinking pellets on hand as well.

I have never had water turtles...help??

[sonyj]

Are these wild turtles that were found, or pets someone dropped off? If they are wild, is there a pond, lake, river or other body of water that they were heading to? Generally, unless the turtle is injured or wouldn't make it without intervention, wild turtles should be left in the wild and not taken in as pets. But on the other hand, domestic turtles dropped off will not survive on their own in the wild.

All my recommendations are based on the assumption that they will be red ear sliders. If they aren't then you will have to search for care sheets for that specific kind of turtle.

First off, the general rule is ten gallons per inch of turtle. So with two, even the ten gallon is already small. So out of the two choices, I'd go for the larger until you can provide the correct size tank for them.

Be sure the filter you use is rated at least 3x's the size of tank.

You will need a basking area, preferably one that floats on the water or built above the tank as not to take up valuable swimming space.

A water heater is important to keep the water temp at a constant 78 degree for hatchlings. A basking temp of 88-90 degrees is good.

A UVB light that emits 7-10% UVB rays and a heat bulb as well is needed placed directly over the basking area.

The water level should be as high as you can fill the tank without giving them room to escape. RES are aquatic and love all the water you can give them to swim in. Having plants (fake or real) in the water for them to rest on is a good idea.

Do not use gravel as the substrate for the tank bottom. Turtles will eat anything in their tank smaller than them and this can lead to serious health issues. Either use large river rock or keep the bottom bare, which many owners do.

There is so much more to learn about keeping happy and healthy RES, so I would suggest that you read through the forum (especially the stickies found under each section) and the main site as well. If you have any more questions just ask.

[Giddy]

Well, the teacher says there is no body of water around. She picked them up because she had no idea how they got there. I wish she would call me ahead of time. I did leave the principal; a friend, my number.


I am assumung they are also a red ear or other simular turtle as well. Hopefully they are or the past 3 hours of research have been for nothing ...lol...I do have a heater, plants, stuff to make a basking area, the tanks do have uvb light hoods. I did not know about the gravel, thanks for the info:)

Is there special food, etc I should have on hand that I don't??

[marisa]

Since they're really small, they'd probably go for something live and wriggly--a cut-up earthworm, for example (small crickets are good, too). For a pellet that's good for small turts, try to find some Reptomin Baby.

[sonyj]

A reputable pellet(such as baby Reptomin) should be the staple of their diet once a day, only the amount that would fit inside their head if it were hollow, for turtles over a year old this goes to every other day. Veggies should be offered daily. There's a list under the feeding section (what to feed/what not to feed). Avoid foods high in protein such as shrimp/krill etc accept as a treat very rarely( no more than once a month).

Just an observation. If you a using the hood that came with the tank to house your UVB bulb, be sure there isn't glass or plastic between the bulb and the basking area. You will also need to buy a UVB bulb to put into the hood since bulbs that come with the fish tank aren't specifically UVB but more than likely full-spectrum. You must have a heat bulb above the basking area as well, a regular household bulb in a clamp lamp will work. Both of these lights should be on a day/night schedule (on for no more than 12 hours). Using timers for these lights work great.

[Giddy]

okie dokie,

hopefully I will have them picked up tomorrow morning and figure out what they are...I will be back

[sonyj]

Good luck.

[Giddy]

I have ben reading as much as I can on this site and I have a question...does the stationary areas above water have to be *staioned* as in, not able to move, or would driftwood work?

[sonyj]

The only problem you'd have if your basking area was not stationary is that you would not be able to keep the basking area at the right temperature and directly under the UVB. Since it would float, it would move out from under the heat light and the UVB light which should be directly above (6-8inches ever give or take depending on temp) the basking area.


UVB is necessary for healthy bones and shells, and heat helps entice them to bask, digest their food, and thermoregulate their body temps since they are cold-blooded.

Since these lights are so important, I'd make sure whatever you use for a basking area is positioned directly under them and that the temp is correct.

[Giddy]

ok, I'll figure it out. We are quite handy around here when it comes to building aquarium decor and tools. And another question, WHERE can I find baby Reptomin?? I have called Petsmart and Petco. I can find it online, but at about $4 for less than one ounce. Is that a good price? Does anyone know of a chain that might carry it?

[sonyj]

I got mine at my local Petsmart and still am using the same container (the smaller one) and it's been about 9 months. I'm thinking around $4 is what I paid for mine.

There's other brands,(someone had a post not long ago about this), but I've always used Baby Reptomin and not had a problem.

Also, take a browse through the Photo Gallery section of the forum for lots of great ideas on set-ups and basking areas.

[Giddy]

Thanks Sonja,

I calleda round last night and found ONE BOTTLE at a Petsmart 10 miles from here...we are making the trip soon. lol

I spent a lot of time in the photo section last night..my mind is working on ideas!

[Giddy]

ok,

here they are:



They are red ear...awefully small. Any different care with them being so tiny? And how big do they get?

[jenaero]

the care is the same but the temps are a bit different. For hatchling turtles the water temp should be about 78 and basking temp should be 10 degrees higher.

Males get 7-9 inches and females top up at about a foot long.

[sonyj]

Oh they are so cute! The only thing with them being so small (newly hatched more than likely) is that it may take a few days for them to eat and get used to their new home. Also, be sure to have resting places under water for them, either different sizes of plants, or plants that can suction to the side of the tank at various levels under water.

Depending on what gender they are (which you won't be able to tell until they are 4 inches long) they will be between 7-12 inches. Males will be 7-9 inches upon maturity, while females grow larger, 10-12 inches. Just remember that as they grow, their home/habitat needs to grow with them.

Good luck and keep us posted as to how they are doing.