Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey..im new to this forum..nice to meet you guys.

Anyway, I just ordered and recieved 2 baby (quarter sized) RES.
I have them in a 20 gallon tank...set up nicely. I know how to set the tank up and I know how to set up a basking area, heating, lighting, etc. But...Its almost a full day now and my RES's are scared of me...they won't eat, and they hide all day. Is this normal for the first couple days they are in their new home? Also..i am "trying" to feed them reptomin baby food. How often and how many pellets should i feed them each?

Thanks..

No worries. Many babies don't eat right away. Mine didn't eat for a couple weeks. Then they just started eating all of a sudden. It helped when I put them in a smaller container (with water) to feed them and left them alone for 20 minutes to half an hour.

The rule of thumb for feeding turtles is to feed them as much as they can eat within fifteen minutes. That will give you an idea of their appetite.

RES are often skittish creatures. Mine are over a year old now, and they still freak when I come in the room.....until they think I might have food.

Best of luck to you and your new babies

Devin

Give them some time...they just went through the terrifying experience of being shipped from their familiar home to yours. Try to leave them alone for a while and let them adjust. I've had mine for a year and they still freak out if I change their setup.
Good luck with your babies!