General Care Discussion :: Growth rate & my runt

[xfallwithmexo]

My three RES have adjusted well over the three months I've had them and we've gotten into a nice routine. They're in a 20gal with about 8-9 gallons and have all the fixings they need to be happy and healthy.
When we got them they were all the same size, but now two of them are noticeably bigger than the other one. The two big ones(Franklin and Charlie) measure maybe a little more than 1 1/2" (they were squirmy!) while the other is about an inch. Is Sheldon just a runt? or should I be concerned? They all eat together in the same container and I always give them enough food. They don't let me watch them eat, but my runt, Sheldon is the only one who will. He eats immediately when I put him in the tank, so I know he is eating enough. There is always food leftover after leaving them be for a half hour as well, so the other two aren't stealing it all.

Well, let me know your thoughts! also for the growth rate, how fast should they be growing? 1/2 an inch a month? or is there no set pattern really?

[Ashley]

The bigger ones are probably female. A lot of people (myself included) buy a turtle thinking it's a male for whatever reason, but when it gets bigger you realize it's not a male. LOL

[xfallwithmexo]

I thought that, but since they are so little I just put the thought out of my mind. Oh boy! lol

[SSMcLeod]

It could also be that the two larger ones are getting the most food - just keep an eye on the little one and make sure its getting the right amount of food

[VeipaCray]

Keep in mind as they get larger, they may not get along in the same environment. It's not uncommon that you'll need 3 tanks at some point in the future.

[xfallwithmexo]

Yeah, I know. If it was up to me I would have only gotten one, but they were a gift. I'm hoping at least two will get along, but I do watch them to make sure and will separate them if needed

[bradmeisel]

it sounds like you may be feeding them a bit much. A half an inch a month is alot. try feeding them only six baby pellets a day max. Good luck. Your turtles are lucky to have such a good mommy.

[xfallwithmexo]

it sounds like you may be feeding them a bit much. A half an inch a month is alot. try feeding them only six baby pellets a day max. Good luck. Your turtles are lucky to have such a good mommy.

It's a half an inch in 3 months not one month and thanks a bunch

[steve]

So they are in the feeding container at the same time? Is Sheldon is being fed the same amount as the others?

[xfallwithmexo]

So they are in the feeding container at the same time? Is Sheldon is being fed the same amount as the others?

Yes, they all go in at once. I put about 15 or so baby pellets in and about 6 shrimp for all three of them. Sheldon is the only one strangely that I ever see eat because the other ones (the two bigger ones) are shy. He seems to eat about the same amount as the others do I hope. I may start feeding him apart from the other two

[steve]

I think that would be a good idea, it's the only way to be 100% sure.