All Turtles Message Board

KrisDog · Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:59 pm Post subject: New turtle owner

I'm pleased to say that today I brought home Scratch, my first turtle. He's a 4" RES. I think I have the tank set up correctly... The pet store guy said he hadn't eaten yet today, but he wont touch any food yet. I've read here that it may be a few days before he'll eat anything in his new home.

The first thing he did was swim hard and wedge himself under the filter... I lowered it to the floor of the tank.

Now he's just sitting underwater. So far he doesn't like me much... I'm sure that will change when he starts recognising me and the bringer of the food!

How long can they sit under without taking a breath? I was worried about his swimming ability, so the water isn't too high yet. He should be able to stand and reach the water line, I just havn't seen him do it without climbing on the heater!

I'll take a picture and post it soon.
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Kris.

MinisMommy · Level 3 Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 103

Turtles are naturally really good swimmers, so you don't have to worry about that they can swim very well. Raise the water level to about half-2/3 of the tank. This will give him more security. Also, put something in the tank that he can hide in... like a clay pot turned on its side. They are nervous little ones and need hiding places so they don't get stressed out.

KrisDog · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 5:40 am Post subject: Pictures

Here is the tank and a picture of Scratch. It's his first day, and all he'll do is swim back and forth (clumsily) to try and get into the picture on the back!

I don't think he likes his new home just yet!

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Kris.

skslover · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:48 am Post subject:

ok lol i so luv your sense of what a turtle needs that log is a very good call but you should get some guppys or minnows to keep him company cus if he/she gets too frightened e may die of shock Crying or Very sad

and you should have it filled to about... eh well its ok how it is now but um at least once a day you should take your turtles out in the sun but i must advise you not to put im down unless he is properly trained. hes so cute i remember my turtles as babys they all still had their eggtooths. in the picture of im e looks hungry i say im and e cus i cant quite tell if its boy or girl here lemme get my girls turtle to compare 1 sec... aw its a boy!
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KrisDog · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 2:13 pm Post subject:

yeah, they had one of those logs in his tank at the store, so i thought it might comfort him a little. I'm on a quest to find a plastic plant or two to put in for more hiding spaces, and a clay pot (thanks for the tip!).

Will a terracotta pot hold up to the water? I'm afraid I'm not very knowledable about all this!

Food: I bought some turtle sticks and a can of shrimp. He won't touch any of it. I'll keep trying... I'm sure he's still spooked about coming home in a box and thrust into a new environment!
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Kris.

ocean lifeguard · Level 1 Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 11

Mine loves his shrimps and food sticks, and I've only had him for about a mo. However I read they can stop eating due to stress when moving to a new home.

KrisDog · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:15 pm Post subject:

He scarfed some sticks and a couple shrimp a little while ago. It was great to see him eat.

I also saw him basking when I walked out of my office... he was so cute! It didn't last long though, when he saw me he dove back in quick!
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Kris.

lyc · Guest Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

I have a turtle, a slider, but no red ears.

I have had it 24 hours now, all it does is hide. No eating no basking.

Water temp at 80.

Have the basking light on, he did bask for about 5 minutes.

Any help would be appreciated.

Jdude101 · Level 3 Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 191 Location: Georgia

well 24 hours isn't long, just give him time. if he is a htchling, 80 is good but if he is an adult you could take it down to about 75. he is probably a yellow bellied slider, you can look at pics to find out. he should eat though, mine took about 2-3 days