I don't have anything for a good tank yet I still need to get a good tank, basking area, basking light, and filter. I'm trying to keep the temperature in mid 70-80's but Its hard without basking light to help. I bought the turtle June 10th, 2006.
2006-06-12 04:19:39 · 11 answers · asked by LilMsDetroit313 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Turtles can go a little while without eating, so I think he's OK for now. Getting a basking light is very important, also while your at the pet store, get a book on Red Eared Sliders. You should have done so before you got the animal.
2006-06-12 04:37:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need an expensive tank. Buy a 50G rubbermaid for $15, and get some basking rocks. Buy a calmp lamp from Lowes or Home Depot or Walmart. Use a 60-75 watt bulb at 10-12 inches away from the basking area. This will be sufficient bask needs set-up.
A filter is nice, but you can do without by doing regular water changes. Put in a clay pot laid on the side or make a cave for it to hide. They like to have a sense of security.
Feed it pieces of chicken, shrimp or fish. These things always gets them started feeding. When it has started feeding, introduce pellets, which are nutritionally complete. The meats I mentioned just provide protien and some nutrients only. Leave a piece of romaine or dandelion leaf in the tank and let it nibble on it. It may not yet, but as it gets older it will. Remove the leaf after a few days.
Here s a care sheet for RES from ATP:
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm
If you have any other questions go to:
http://www.turtelforum.com
Lot's of help and experience.
2006-06-12 19:01:04 · answer #2 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you're not careful your turtle will die!. quit talking about what you don't have...GET it...and get on with it. You can make a basking light out of just a 200 watt bulb. I have used this for my 30 pound iguana for 8 years now. It's just put in a regular hardware type light holder that has clips on it. Very in expensive from the hardware shop. You don't even need a an elaborate tank either. a Dish pan can work just as well...Just cut the sides down put a rock or two for the turtle to climb on. Set your light up and you should be good....to go. Think about it...turtles in the wild don't have a light system (sun), don't have a tank, bask where they want to...and as far as the filter goes, change the water every 2-3 days.. Also you can feed them mealy worms, small gold fish, and some veggies, (fruit/apples/ banana, greens )
2006-06-23 17:11:23 · answer #3 · answered by aunt_beeaa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reptiles like most animals do not like to eat where they poop so keeping him in a bowl is not only going to prevent him from eating the pneumonia will probably kill him. You have to get a tank with a reptile filter they lay on the floor of the tank and can be semerged in water for a half land half water habitat which is going to be what you need. You also need to get a heat light. A 75 to 100 degree one depending on the size tank you get. If they don't have the light they can't digest food and will stop eating and die. For right now try and feed him something red like strawberries or tomato's reptiles are attracted to red.
2006-06-13 22:54:20 · answer #4 · answered by july 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its probably just adjusting to the change in habitat, but you should have had the tank and everything set up BEFORE you bought the turtle, i know mine quits eating every winter and ive had him since we were both babies(21 now) feel free to email me and ask me anything, ive got 21 years expierience with this kind of turtle, basking lights and natural light do make a lot of difference, be prepared to clean the tank ALOT too if you dont get a really good filter, these guys poop alot when they are eating
2006-06-12 12:13:38 · answer #5 · answered by melykiskv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you don't have a light, it's possible that it's too cold. Your turtle might also be merely adjusting to the change of environment. I also had a red-eared slider who didn't eat for awhile when I first got him. I worried myself to death, but after a week, he took some chomps at those dried krill turtle treats. I was delighted. So keep his habitat as warm as possible, and keep on offering him something enticing to whet his appetite. At least, that's what I did. Turtles are great!
2006-06-14 04:35:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they will eat after you get them a basking light. They are probably cold. The best thing to do is get them a dayglo for the daytime and a nightglo for the night. The rays help them grow.
I have 2 red eared sliders (Ted and Tina).
Just dont put them by a window.
2006-06-12 22:11:12 · answer #7 · answered by Elaine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends what kind of habitat you have and what you are feeding it. mine really likes small gold fish. and you really need a tank. put about 4 inches of water in it and many rocks in it for the turtle to sun bathe on and how u find out how old the turtle is count the squares on his back and thats how old he is!!! the temp u r keeping it at is good but u must get a terarium for it or it is going to die!!!! and trust me on this i have had a red eared slider for 5 to 6 years!!!!
2006-06-12 13:13:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
stop staring and make sure you are turning the light out at night
2006-06-12 11:23:02 · answer #9 · answered by dude 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
buy some cichlid pellets and try to feed them that when they are young they like their protine my mom has five and when they get older they like lettuce....i hope my little info will help....
2006-06-13 07:04:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋