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I had a general question, do RES grow at different rates? My turtle hasn't grown that much since I bought him. I have had some problems getting him the calcium that he needs. I bought him in July and I have been improving his condition for about a month now. I noticed that his shell is doing better. It's not a curvy as it was. It was curving up a little and soft, the top is getting harder but the scutes are soft but he is getting spots on the shell and the black lines that I have seen like other RES.

I noticed he still hasn't grown that rapidly yet just a tiny bet since his conditions. He's still about 2.5" and that's about it length wise. I was just wondering when his growth rate will be. I guess he was a baby when I bought him, probably a very young hatchling unfortunately.

As you said yourself, it may be the lack of calcium, as with humans, calcium encourages bone (and shell) growth.

Feed him once a day (as a hatchling, adult turtles can be fed once every 2 days on average), better brands of turtle pellets make for a healthier turtle, and don't overfeed him with feeder fish or turtle bites, they're good, but not too healthy.

A large swimming environment with clean water is also nice, less stressful conditions, temperature should be at the recommended point, and UVA/UVB should be accessible.

Since he's half a year old from your statement, 2.5 inches should be a fine average growth rate though, RES turtles commonly grow to 4 inches in their first full year.

Kazari24 wrote:I had a general question, do RES grow at different rates? My turtle hasn't grown that much since I bought him. I have had some problems getting him the calcium that he needs. I bought him in July and I have been improving his condition for about a month now. I noticed that his shell is doing better. It's not a curvy as it was. It was curving up a little and soft, the top is getting harder but the scutes are soft but he is getting spots on the shell and the black lines that I have seen like other RES.

I noticed he still hasn't grown that rapidly yet just a tiny bet since his conditions. He's still about 2.5" and that's about it length wise. I was just wondering when his growth rate will be. I guess he was a baby when I bought him, probably a very young hatchling unfortunately.

If you have a hard time feeding him calcium, take a calcium block ("water neutralizer") and put it in the water so it can dissolve into his tank water. That way when he sips his aquarium water, he will get more calcium. It works.

Great thanks! Yeah I have a calcium block I'll put it back in. He's been getting in the water more on his own adn staying in the water. So that's good! Thanks! I was a little concerned but that's good!

Kazari24, what have you tried to meet your turtle's calcium needs? What is his diet like?

well he eats the pellets. i give him also kale, collered greens, krill and shrimp (as treats), some tuna as a treat but very rare. I also give him carrot shavings and gut filled calcium crickets.

Have you offered him a cuttlebone? Turtles eat the same type cuttlebones that you'd give to a parakeet. You put a piece of cuttlebone in the tank and leave it and the turtle snacks on it throughout the day. Cuttlebones are largely pure calcium and most turtles really like them.