All Turtles Message Board

peewee · Guest Joined: 14 Nov 2002 Posts: 1

I was recently given a turtle but I am not sure exactly what type it is. I know that it is a soft-shell. It sort-of looks like the Eastern Spiny Softshell on this website but I also wonder could it be a Florida softshell or a smooth softshell.

I would also like to know can I feed it carrots? Should the container have sand in the bottom?

Wu-Gwei · Level 3 Joined: 18 Oct 2002 Posts: 194

Take a look at more pictures on the web and carrots are fine, but that would not be their main diet. I say pellets are good as a base, but you can try a variety of other foods (protein and veggie). The sand will clog up your filter... if you don\'t have a filter, you\'ll have to get one or else you\'ll be changing the water every second day - not fun. Softshells are notorious for being aggressive and they can get big, depending on the species.

Here is a link: www.tortoise.org/archives/apalone.html

Cheers,
JJ Smile

turtlecrazed · Level 3 Joined: 27 Sep 2002 Posts: 105

If I\'m not mistaken , Florida softshells are dark colored, while the eastern and smooth varieties are lighter colored.
Wu-Gwei is right about their size and aggression. This isn\'t a turtle you can pick up. They will bite and claw. I know someone that recieved stitches from a bite from his softy. They also grow very large and very destructive. They are more prone to fungal and bacterial infections because of thier soft shell. Make sure there is nothing abrasive in the turtles tank. This can injure him. Good luck with your new softy friend. Smile

It probably won\'t eat the carrots but you can give it a try. Make sure this turtle gets lots of animal proteins - keep feeder fish with it consistently.
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