Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am in college and have two turtles here, one map turtle and a florida redbelly. The redbelly i recently got and eats like a pig on the reptomin, anarcharis, guppies, and dried shrimp. He is developing soft shell though and the map turtle isnt. I have had the map turtle for a much longer time and I've noticed the redbelly is growing quickly. I have a filter, and spot light on top, but lack the UV light right now. I have used the calcium blocks too but that isn't helping. Any ideas? I am planning on getting the UV light quickly, but I like this guy and dont want anything to happen. thanks

Then the best suggestion is to get the UVB lighting on them ASAP. And dusting a some crickets with a vitamin supplement for him. (you may want to feed outside of the tank in a separate container when you do this to avoid the murky mess.

Good luck. Remember UVB lighting is what you need for him.

Steve

already got the reptiglo 5.0 on him so that should help. Ill try and get some dusted crickets, but are there any other calcium rich foods?

I've read somewhere that certain veggies are more calcium rich than others. I tend to offer lots of kale, romaine, turnip greens, collard greens, and different vegetables that I get from a Chinese supermarket. The only thing I avoid is spinach.

As for meats, I think shrimp are high in calcium. I've also heard people giving bits of eggshell and cuttlebone, but I've only offered eggshell once and they didn't really like the cuttlebone.