Got this guy today at the LFS. i have never had a turtle this small so its a first for me. i have had larger red ears before but thought i would give this guy a chance. open to suggestions from ppl that have had a baby turtle like this!!!
New addition to the family! Baby red ear slider turtle
- Thread starter bigbadlenox
- Start date
I've never had an adult turtle---my first and only, an eastern painted, is still just about a year old---but I think the only real differences in care are feeding (more frequent and more meaty for young'uns) and tank size. From what I can see, it looks like a good setup. Good idea with the pebble pile for a basking spot, just make sure there's nothing small enough for the lil guy (or gal) to swallow. Congrats on your new cutie!
Cute little baby RES! Your setup looks pretty good but just make sure that it's as deep as the turtle is wide. If not the turtle will not be able to flip it's self over if something like that occurs.
I'm going to assume that because you have an adult, you have a UVB basking light for this little guy. How's the water temp? These guys should have a slightly higher water temperature than the adults (around 78-80˚F).
I agree that at this size they are mainly carnivorous. You should feed a good quality turtle pellet like Reptomin along with small earthworms, crickets, shrimp pellets and FD shrimp. It doesn't hurt to add a few live water plants to the setup for nibbling on. I've always kept anacharis and hornwort with my baby turtles. Good luck with the little guy!
I'm going to assume that because you have an adult, you have a UVB basking light for this little guy. How's the water temp? These guys should have a slightly higher water temperature than the adults (around 78-80˚F).
I agree that at this size they are mainly carnivorous. You should feed a good quality turtle pellet like Reptomin along with small earthworms, crickets, shrimp pellets and FD shrimp. It doesn't hurt to add a few live water plants to the setup for nibbling on. I've always kept anacharis and hornwort with my baby turtles. Good luck with the little guy!
My painted absolutely LOVES blackworms. I just started a culture and so far it's super easy and seems to be going well.
Absolutely. My herp vet warned me against freeze dried foods (all chitin, no nutrients), but live worms are great.
Freeze dried foods are ok to feed as treats but they shouldn't make up a bulk of the diet. And actually the chitin shell of FD shrimp helps to keep the the turtle's beak trimmed.
Hi good luck with your new friend.
I have 4 RES, in addition to all of the foods mentioned I also keep feeder guppies and pond snails with them. They help to keep the tank clean. REMEMBER to change water.
I have 4 RES, in addition to all of the foods mentioned I also keep feeder guppies and pond snails with them. They help to keep the tank clean. REMEMBER to change water.