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Hi everybody -

I just adopted two 4" females from a movie set where they were being used as props and treated sort of abominably (though not with malice) - they've been with me for three days and I'm getting worried because they still seem terrified of me - they hide out all day under water in the corner of the tank - as far as I know they haven't come out to bask once (previously they were in a tank that didn't have a dry/basking area).

More worrisome, I'm not sure if and how much they're eating (I am keeping their water in the 75-80 range)- I've given them feader fish, pellets and anarchis - the feeder fish haven't been touched and I've seen the more active of the two turtles eat a few pellets, but the majority of them just decompose at the bottom of the tank.

Does anybody have any advice about how to make them more comfortable and willing to eat?

Thanks,

Jonathan

it takes awhile for turtles to get used to a new home. how big is the tank. also, having a basking temp at the proper temp along with a UVB bulb

Don't worry about it for at least a week. It takes them time to get accustomed.

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Give them some peace and quiet while they adjust. It's hard, but try not to pick them up unless you have to until they settle down. Turtles are sensitive and quite aware of their surroundings. It often takes a week or two for them to get comfortable. Then, some stay skittish for a lot longer. Turtles have individual personalities - some are quite friendly and outgoing and some are shy. Eventually, they'll learn that you are the one that feeds them and then they'll be a lot friendlier.

Have you read up on all the pointers on the main part of this site? There's info on feeding, habitat and behavior. Be sure and read through it if you haven't already.

If you're still concerned about their behavior after a week or so, come back and we'll see if we can help.

Thanks everyone.

Some good news - I put a little canned tuna in the tank and they gobbled it up.

Does anybody know how long an open can of tuna keeps in the refrigerator? I haven't eaten tuna in years...

Also, I've read they should be fed an amount of food equal to the size of their head, every other day? Is that right? Is that total of all food? That doesn't seem like very much...

Thanks!

Jonathan

not sure how long it'll keep in the fridge. keep it covered and i would imagine it would last awhile.

your right about the amount of food. feed however much would fit in the head if it were hollow every other day.

The head reference refers to pellets. Give them as many veggies as they will eat, and that can be daily. Just be sure to give them a variety of vegetables.

Take the tuna out of the tin and put it in a plastic container that has a tight lid. If I were eating it, I'd keep it a little less than a week. Smell it to see if it's going bad. If it's for turtles, you could go a bit longer if it doesn't smell. Rinse it before giving it to them.

I agree with marisa; you should not keep the tuna longer that a week. By the way, since they liked the tuna, you could try enticing them to eat some pellets by dipping them in tuna juice.