Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a very young painted turtle (Ernie) that I caught in the wild in April of this year. He's only about 2 inches in diameter. I've gone to great lengths to try and make sure his living conditions are adequate and he's been eating a healthy amount up until a couple weeks ago (early October). He's gone from eating less to some days he doesn't eat at all. Is it because of the time of year? It's gotten colder in our apartment. Would turning the heat up help? What's wrong? Please help.

why did you take him from the wild? There is no need for this
with all of the captive bred turtles available.

My 2nd question is why have you not done any research on
them? The question you just asked makes me believe that
you have no idea how to take care of it but you still took
it from the wild.

I'm sorry but that is very unfair to the turtle.

Please get on the internet and do your research or this
baby will die!

Well my first question is why aren't you offering some helpfull advice instead of just being a critic? This forum is on the internet isn't it? We come here for advice, to share ideas, and dare I say research! Don't we? Yes,I think this person should check his water temperature to make sure it's in the right zone. I also think he should find a vet for a check for parasites since it is a wild caught turtle. While there he can also get some advice and put together a plan to get back on track to a happy healthy turtle. Don't forget most baby turtles fall to predation in the wild. Only a small percent reach adulthood. Who's to say how far this one would get anyway. With a little help maybe this little guy can live a long life. Good Luck!

Take Care,
John

Male, 2003 hatchling, was tiny when he arrived last February. Is about 2 inches across now.

His 92-quart tank has 3-4 species of indigenous water plants from local sloughs adjacent to the Columbia River. He loves them!

For awhile in early summer, his appetite declined suddenly. Then I started buying him feeder fish (Zinnias) and feeding him scraps of salmon or halibut. How he loves fish! He even likes his processed Turtle Food better now, too.

I suggest giving tuna or salmon to stimulate his appetite. As soon as you can, get native water plants also. Once mine began eating both fish & water plants, his appetite and growth improved noticeably.