Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two RES that are about 2 inches in length.

I've had them for about a year.. i believe they

are one year old.

The question is.. How many reptomin stick

should i feed for each one every day?

I'm feeding around 1-1.5 sticks per day.

They were 3 cm last Sep. and they are now 5 cm as in June.

Are they growing normally? or should i feed more?

Thank you for help.

Different turtles grow at different rates and eat different amounts, so it is hard to give any definite rules for feeding.

However, I think you may not be giving them enough, my 9 mo. old hatchlings eat much more.

The best advice I have heard is to feed them in a separate tank, and give them as much as they can eat in about 20 minutes or so. I usually wait 10-15 minutes more for them to defecate, then back to the regular tank.

Have you tried any foods other than Repto-Min? My little guys love earthworms, meal worms, and feeder fish. I am trying to get them interested in greens, berries, and fruits too. Some people say it is best to get them used to a variety of foods while they are still young.

Good luck with the little ones!

I have 2 2" RES as well. I feed them about 5-6 reptomin sticks a day, each! But these are the smaller sticks. Maybe 1mm wide and 7mm long?

I've read advice about letting them eat as much as they can in XX minutes. (usually 10 - 20). At that rate I bet my turts can eat like 10 sticks each.

Anyone know if 5-6 sticks (or some equivalent of chicken, shrimp, mealworms, etc) sounds right for a 2" RES?

It may not be an exact measurement but someone on here once said that their head (and bit of neck) is about the size of their stomach. Even in little guys that could mean about a bundle of 7-10 sticks, if not more given their size.

They are not undersized so I am sure that they are okay. You should offer them some greens and other things beside just reptomin though. Try escarole or dandelion greens (avoid lettuce).

Krill is good for them too as a excellent source of animal protein.

If you're talking about iceburg lettuce I agree. There is nothing wrong with feeding romaine and other dark, leafy varieties though.