Sitemaps

Turtle Troubles2007-11-24 2:02:52

3) Keep the tank clean. Filters won't do it. Healthy water turtles have hearty appitites, and what goes in will be more than happy to come back out. Keeping the water freshly changed also reduces bacteria and aids you in your quest to clear up those eye infections.

Every attempt should be made to get your turtle to eat. Red Ears enjoy largely animal-based foods, but will sometimes nibble at a leaf of romaine lettuce or spinach that you allow to float on the water. Otherwise, earthworms (don't worry about the size -- the turtle's good at cutting them down to be easilly swallowed), mealworms, waxworms, goldfish (dead or alive), ground hamburger (as a treat only, or when you notice that his bones are a bit more pronounced than usual), and even canned dog food are often greedilly accepted. The average yard -- assuming no pesticides have been used -- will often keep a turtle in food for quite some time; turn over a rock or two, and you're bound to find something he'll like. Pet stores also usually sell crickets, mealworms, and the like. Bait shops can be a good place to find earthworms, if you'd rather not dig up the yard and probes don't appeal to you. Lots of good care books are availible, too, and are worth their weight in gold.

---

1. Look at the soft spaces beside the neck. If they move, its breathing. Turtles breath slowly, so be patient.

2. Head bobbing, push-ups, and the 'sun worship position' (head stretched up and back, front legs pushing the turtle up, back legs splayed out) are perfectly normal during basking.