Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i got my turtle from a turtle stand in the middle of a busy mall, lots of attention to the turtles. i had to drive home 40 miles and the next day 200 miles. i now have a large tank heater basking space and full spectrum light. no need for a filter yet, i know i will need one but money does not grow on trees yet. i tried to feed him the pellets with stand gave me turkey canned crickets from the pet store and turtle logs. i think he or she may have eaten the turkey possibly a piece of cricket definitely no pellets. the only problem is that i have not seen the turtle even try to eat anything.
so i guess my question is how quickly should they eat, and should i worry if it won't eat pellets or turtle logs

Remember your turtle has gone through a lot of stress in the last few days, not to mention the stress from the mall, and who knows what beforehand. Lots of these little guys are ranched and then transported in small crammed containers and so by the time they get to the pet store, they are usually sick and stressed.

Give your turtle a few days of quiet, possibly in a room where there is very little human interaction. Let him explore and feel comfortable with the surroundings first before you worry about food. The turtle will not eat until it feels safe and that very often takes a while.

I would give it a week at the most as reptiles are very hardy and CAN (I am not saying should) go for long periods without eating. After that time, then I would start to get worried. Take him to a vet after the turtle has deficated (bring it with you) to check for parisites and unusual bacteria levels. At that time, talk to the vet about a possible vitamin B injection. Vitamin B is good for stimulating activity and appitite and sometimes will "kick start" a sluggish turtle.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Hi

I suggest soaking the pellets for five or 10 mins before putting them in the tank to make them soft. And then picking up the turtle and putting him or her in the water with the pellets.

You will definately need a filter unless you can change the water every few days.

Chris

thank you for your help.
i do have one more question though. what are some good ideas for blockers to keep the turtle from getting at the heater in the tank.

Hey,
Get some PVC pipe and drill several holes in it. Voilia! Instant sleeve to protect your heater.

Good luck.

--Matt