All Turtles Message Board

ateta · Guest Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

I found a painted turtle along the highway of all places! It was either stop and pick it up or it would either get hit or go over the bridge and land on the railroad tracks. Needless to say I picked it up. I know absolutely nothing about turtles. We live on a farm and have a large natural pond that already has a large snapping turtle living it. I would just put him in the pond but am afraid that snappy would get him/her. My eldest son wants to keep him in the house. We have a 10 gallon tank that has nothing in it but some dust.

Does anyone have any tips, hints or ideas on how to care for and feed him/her?

Thanks

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

How big is the turtle? 10 gal wont be big enough... at least for long. They say 1gal per inch of the turtle. so if the turtle is 4 inch.. it needs ATLEAST a 40 gal tank. The also need a UVB/UVA light on them, and a place for basking and drying off. You will need a filter, and maybe a heater if the light doesnt keep the water warm enough. the water needs to be about 78f and the basking needs to be about 88f. as far as food goes... pellets, shrimp, krill, turtle sticks (all of wich you get at a pet store) cooked chicken, strawberries, grapes, apples, bananas, carrots, zuccini, squash, peapods, romain lettuce (not iceburg)... tuna in water....

turtles can get very very expensive and require a lot of time and effort in making sure they are healthy and content when in captivity.

ateta · Guest Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for the tips. The turtle is about 5 1/2" long. I guess we need a bigger tank. For now he/she is in the 10gal tank. I put a tray of water in there with some rocks and crumpled newspaper. I tried dirt but he/she just started digging for it and got the water all turned into a thick paste. I cleaned it out once more and we put the rocks and newspaper. I'll have to go to the pet store on Monday.

Thanks!