Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all. Hope someone can help me.

I got my 3 RES turtles at the same time and they have always lived together. All of them get along well together. However, one of them hasn't grown at the same rate as the other two. He's a lot smaller. He has always been the most timid of the three and doesn't eat at the same time as the other two. He usually hides behind rocks or behind the filter when I'm around. Occasionally I will see him swim up to the feeding side, but only after the other two have cleared out. He's definitely the weakest and slowest of the three, although he never seems to have a problem moving around. I hardly ever see him bask, but I think that's because he is so shy, he doesn't like to bask with people around. I don't know if he is just overpowered by the other two, who are very friendly and often come over to see me when I pass by, or if he really has a problem. I'm concerned he isn't getting the food or basking he needs, but I can't afford to get him a tank for himself. Any suggestions?

I had the same problem with my 2 babies. Separate the
weaker turtle. Go out and buy a large rubbermaid container.
They are very cheap and once he catches up you can put them
back together. Set it up with a basking area and UVB source.
I did this and it took about 6 months and mine really
flourished. Now, at six years old she is bigger than the
male. She is also the boss!

You need to give this baby a good headstart, that's all.

Hope this helps
Linda

I moved my little guy into his own tank with his own basking area. He's only been in there a day but already I can see a difference in his behavior. He's more active and even climbing up on his basking dock while I'm in the room. Hopefully he will become a stronger swimmer and I'll be able to put him back in with the other two in the big tank.

Thanks!