Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,

Whoa, a painted turtle forum...didn't know they were THAT popular. Anyway, I have a question regarding turtle color. I understand their shells tend to reach darker melanism as they age but are their diets that can stop, or slow this down? I read in a book that tropical fish diets with added beta-carotenes can brighten up a turtle. Are those healthy though? It's a shame all that flaming red disappears into plain brown or black. I've had mine from 1991 until now.

Thanks.

~Johnny

I catch wild adult paints and they still have some good color. It may not be as bright but the red on the carapace and the orange plastron are still there.
Chris D.

carotenes wil help with color but don't go overboard. feed carrots, krill and sinking alage wafers with spirulina.
and yes, i agree some are still quite striking even as they get old.

I have 5 adult turtles and they all still have that red. They are all housed outside. I'm not sure if that makes a difference. They have lots of minnows in the pond to eat and get, reptomin, trout chow, water hyacinth and various other greens to eat.

Steve