Spotteds may nibble on greens, but not really consume them with any regularity. The best way to fortify their diet is to feed them gut loaded critters. You may not be able to feed your turtle greens, but you can feed the crickets, mealworms, superworms, silkworms, beetles, slugs, and snails kale and such. That way, your turtles are actually getting the greens via the feeders. Dusting is not very effective for Spotteds since they only eat underwater. Feed your turtle a staple of high quality turtle food (Reptomin, Zoomed, Mazuri). Trout chow is ok, but the turtle food supplies Vit. A in the correct amounts for turtles (as we understand currently). Trout chow is cheap, but I'd go with aquatic turtle food. Supplement the diet with fish, tadpoles from very clean water, and pinkies. You shouldn't have vitamin problems with a varied diet of high quality items.

Yes, yes, yes...UVA/UVB bulbs!!! We can't stress this enough for EVERY type of turtle, even stinkpots and snappers just in case! The basking spot sounds good. I'm trying to remember all of your questions.

Watch your female turtle closely for signs of illness!

As for Spottedturtleman's suggestions, I can only comment on what I know. If this has worked for him and his friends, great. I used to take Spotted turtles from a swamp behind my house when I was a kid. The water was deeply tannin-stained and highly acidic. There is no doubt that these turtles thrive in this type of water. I would keep the turtles for a summer and let them go before school started...I know, the follies of youth. They never showed any signs of ill effects from plain tapwater, but I only kept them for a short time. Just be very careful that you don't make the water too acidic. I used to keep a fish tank of very delicate South American fish. I used to use "blackwater extract" from any fish supply store to lower the pH "naturally". That way, you can avoid caffeine, pesticides, and some alkaloids that may be present in the tea. Who knows, maybe the caffeine is what pepped the turtles up ? Good luck Paul!

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