Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have both a smooth and florida softshell turtles. the smooth is about 1 1/2 inches and the florida is about 2 and i think they are both female. i have them seperrated and was wondering if they should be together until they get a little older. I was wondering what a good temp for their water would be? i was also wondering if there is something worng with the florida because she stays buried all the time? cold the water be to cold? (its about 65 degrees)i know that the metabolism depends on the temp would this be reason for her eating a few pellets every 2-3 days?

Thank you

P.S. the play sand seems to be working really well as a substrate. Also how deepshould the sand be and so they need a place to come out o the water or will they just always stay under?

hello
actually they will probably be more tolerant of company now.as they get larger thet may or may not like the company.
i keep my spiny about 70deg & my floridas about 75 deg.it certainly wouldn't hurt to bump the temp up into the mid 70's.
if u do raise the temp then you could add tropical fish as well.i don't mean feeders.i like giant danios in with my softies.they eat what the softies miss & seem to give them something to "play"with.danios are faster than the turtles but they still try to catch them!
for turts that small i would only keep about a skinny inch of sand in the tank.any more & too much gunk can build up.
a basking spot is may or may not be used.but you should offer one.
jeff

2manyherps and any other turtle enthusiasts is there any way that you could send me a pic of your softy setup. someone told me that i could use a sweater box to house them right now. i am using one for each of the turtles but the florida is extremely inctive and i am concerned. the smooth softshell is quite active but scares very easily. i do not have alot of water in the boxes because i fear the turtles will decide to climb out. what is your best guess on the housing and inactive turtles.

pictures?i'm still trying to figure out where to load the film!lol!
seriously,some turtles are more bold than others.if they are eating & pooping ok then its probably just a matter of shyness.
give her time,give her cover(ie.plants),and she might come around to eat out of your fingers(or try to EAT your fingers).
if she isn't eating/pooping then you have a problem.that could have many causes.
i'm sorry for the vague answer but there are a lot of things that might be "wrong".
jeff

She has eaten twice since i moved here 7 days ago and she hasn't eaten in about 3 days now. i am starting to get a little worried.

you just moved?if thats the case she just may be a little stressed from the move.keep her warm & quiet for a couple of days.don't handle her or "check"on her either.just let her be.
i would wait to try & feed her for a couple of days too.
keep us informed.
jeff