Just rcd two miniature turtles.In plastic pond w/rock in center/Eat turtle bites/How to care for them,pls help

Question

Two miniature turtles rcd as gift just yesterday. I know of odds of them surviving is very low. They are in a plastic pond with rock for climbing in center. Currently eating turtle bites and are sitting in window receiving direct sunlight. After reading other questions and answers, I have stopped children from handling-did not know it was very stressful to turtles. I want to do everything possible so that they can have better chances of survival. Pls advise, of any addl information which would help them to live a long and happy life, thank you...

Answer 1

Your turtles want three things to be happy.

1. Good water. Aim for lots of water (10 gallons per inch of shell length), warmed to 75-80F (with a water heater), and well-filtered for cleanliness (use a filter rated for 2-3 times the size of the tank being used).

2. Good sun. Each needs access to its own basking site (even if they usually share) that is easy to climb on and does not scratch the shell. The sites should be heated to 90F with light that also illuminates the tank- but still allows shadows.

Note- sunlight coming through glass or plastic no longer carries the helpful UVB rays, and instead just carries the more harmful (to them) UVA rays. Please move it.

3, Good food. Try a mix of 1/2 good pellets, and 1/2 good foods like these: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm

Austin's page listed above also has great care sheets and how-to's. Also, just FYI- most of us call those little turtle ponds 'death bowls'. They are a marketing success, but terrible for turtles.

You can start with...
- 50 gallon plastic tub, filled 1/2 way with warm water, no sand or gravel on bottom.
- Use 1 or more submersible water heaters to heat the tank to 75-80F. A guard over the heaters protects the turtles.
- Use large clay pot(s), driftwood, etc. to create basking surfaces.
- Position a spotlight or large bulb in a reflector clamp light over the basking sites.
- Use cheap thermometers to monitor the water and basking temps.
- The expensive part is a good filter. Austin's site discusses filters a lot. Get a good, big one and plan on spending some bucks on it.

Good luck!