Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would be interested to know how other keepers of this species house their turtles. In addition what is a good diet for this animal? Do these turtles hibernate? Any other information regarding captive maintenance? Dr. B

>...house their turtles.
Large tub, temperature gradient (70-85F--ceramic heat-emitter on thermostatic controller), large plant saucer filled with damp, long-strand sphagnum moss, large plastic paint roller for water with aquatic plants, slate and woven coir for walking substrate, cuttlebone always available. 14-hr light (UVB/A)/10-hr dark. Tub is partially covered to hold in humidity but they're often deep in the sphagnum so I don't worry too much about ambient humidity.

>In addition what is a good diet for this animal?
Everything any other turtle likes! Omnivorous: insects & their larva, slugs, WORMS, strawberries (mine don't like raspberries!), melon, squash, TOMATOES, opunta, wet ReptoMin & other commercial diets (I vary the commercial diets between Rep-Cal & Fluker's box/aquatic/tortoise pellets, Mazuri, etc.). They recently refused pinky rats. I feed in separate tubs to reduce one-on-one competition (less mess in housing tub too) and to ensure I know all are eating. As hatchlings I fed every other day; now I feed every third day.

>Do these turtles hibernate?
Mine are captive bred; last winter, two didn't slow down at all while one (same tub/same conditions) didn't eat well for most of the winter. I don't plan on hibernating them; their breeder said she did not hibernate their parents. The one that slowed down last year is eating well so far this fall.

>Any other information regarding captive maintenance?
My 17-month olds have been trouble-free (except for the one that didn't eat well during last winter). Growth rates surprisingly different given their identical conditions and feeding schedule but all seem healthy.
Great turtles!!!!!!!

!! Forgot!! I get them outside as much as I can in appropriate weather.

pako,
how often do you need to clean/replace the substrate?

thanks.

brad

The large mass of damp sphagnum (long strand, not milled) changes color as it get dug into and churned about; this happens in a week or ten days so I change it then. Interestingly, I don't see much poop in the moss itself; they're good at going in their water. The other substrate elements, slate and coir, are easily washed as necessary. The coir seems indestructible so far, washes well with flowing water. Coir = coconut fiber = "BioMat" from Bean Farm (www.beanfarm.com).