Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone!

I'm new here (obviously). I am new to painted turtles but I am not new to reptiles. I have had reptiles since I was young and I used to breed as well. So I am experienced but the last time I had any type of water turtle was 5 or 6 years ago.

I now have a baby painted that I need some help with. I have had the turtle for a month now and so far all is going well. It eats well, swims happily, and loves to bask. The issue I need help with is regarding food. I am aware that baby turtles shouldn't be fed an excess amount of protein, but what I dont know is how much is enough and how much is too much. If someone one can give me some guidance as to how much protein I should feed it I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance,

Abigail

Try the site listed below....

It's for Red Eared Sliders, but I think it might give you a rough idea as to the diet of a Painted.

Hope that helps!
Red Eared Slider Diet

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~Heather~
3 German Shepherd Dogs (Tasha, Kaiya, & Austin)
1 Iguana (Irwin)
4 Firebelly Toads (Kirby, Gus, Pico, & Tiki)
1 African Cichlid (Arnie)
2 Red-Eared Sliders (coming soon!!)
Check out my website with most of my pets!

I have also read that protein should make up about 60-70% of a hatchling's diet. I am no expert by any means. I am just starting with my baby turtles also, but I have been researching like crazy!
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~Heather~
3 German Shepherd Dogs (Tasha, Kaiya, & Austin)
1 Iguana (Irwin)
4 Firebelly Toads (Kirby, Gus, Pico, & Tiki)
1 African Cichlid (Arnie)
2 Red-Eared Sliders (coming soon!!)
Check out my website with most of my pets!

Thanks so much Heather! This helps a ton!

Abi

No Problem! Glad I could help!
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~Heather~
3 German Shepherd Dogs (Tasha, Kaiya, & Austin)
1 Iguana (Irwin)
4 Firebelly Toads (Kirby, Gus, Pico, & Tiki)
1 African Cichlid (Arnie)
1 Red-Eared Slider Hatchling (coming soon!!)
1 Eastern Painted Hatchling (coming soon!!)
Check out my website with most of my pets!

Protien is not such a big issue until the turtle slows its growth rate down. If you continue to feed high protien foods when the turtle is older it can cause the shell to "pyramid". Feeding hatchlings everyday is fine, just do not offer ONLY pellets. Always have aquatic plants in its tank like Anacharis, and offer small feeder fish like rosies (no goldfish).
Chris
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Hey whats up, I'm Chris and I currently have 0.1 Midland Painted, 1.0 Western Painted, 0.0.1 RES, 1.0 Bearded Dragon