Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I'm currently trying to rehabilitate a painted turtle given to me and have been trying to get this guy to eat real food rather than a diet that is fully Reptomin. So far, it's been a full week and he won't eat anything. I've offered collards, mustard, endive and escarole green among a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables with the occasional insect. The only things he'll eat readily are Reptomin and chicken breast. From what I understand Reptomin is not sufficient on its own.

The turtle is currently ill, so I'm wondering if I should be more concerned with his physical healing at this point than his diet since it's been a full week. I'm not sure how long these guys can safely go without food while trying to train over to a better diet.

I suspect his shell damage is primarily from bad housing and animal attack. I found out he was being kept like an aquatic turtle, in a fishtank with other fish. He was provided improper heat and light with NO dry land or basking area. I'm surprised he didn't drown sooner since he is only semi-aquatic. On occasion he was taken out to walk around, but was attacked by a pair of cats. His shell is rippled, starting to deform in some areas, is having an awful time trying to shed his scutes and is filled with various pits and punctures.

So, what's your vote? Physical health now or diet? Will Reptomin be sufficient to get him by? How long can this "starve til desperate for food" technique take before a turtle will take alternative foods? How long is safe?

Thanks.

A Painted Turtle generally won't eat fruits or vegatables, and they have to eat in the water. Try goldfish or minnows, or crawdads, tadpoles, frogs, worms, etc. etc... These turtles are mainly carnivorous and will usually refuse what you have been trying to feed it.

Reptomin IS a complete diet on it's own.
Nutrition is the least of this turtle's problems. A proper set-up, with clean(not too warm)water, a dry, warm basking site, and exposure to a "Reptisun 5.0." fluorescent lamp is what it needs most. If any of it's "wounds" look infected, or if there is apparent shell-rot, it should be seen by a vet.

It sounds like this turtle has shell deformities due to lack of proper calcium and/or to high protein in its previous diet. I recommend zoo med's aquatic turtle food, as it is low protein. Unfortunately, the shell deformitites are permamnent.
I suggest you offer this turtle a mixture of pellets, and whole dead fish. Try to offer the fish in pieces along with the pellets in similar size bites. Snails are also a good food, as are earthworms. Good luck.
-Mike