Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got an Albino RES (about an inch or so) two weeks ago and it hasn't eaten since then. I know that's common as they are trying to feel safe but is there something I can do for it to eat? It's in a 5 gallon tank (all by himself, don't want to put him in a bigger one because it will just be harder for him to find food), always clean water, hiding cave, temp kept at 85 degrees minimum (it gets higher), providing UVB, feeding him gamarous pellets and even shrimp. So what else is there?

I also tried small crickets, rosy reds, and turtle treats... to no avail.

First, a 5 gallon is way too small. The turtle
cannot thermoregulate. 2nd: 85 degrees constantly is too
warm. That is the temp that the basking area should be.
First you need to fix this.

Buy at least a 10 gallon, a 20 would be even better. Place
a basking area at one end with a bulb of about 25 watts over
that land area and check the temp. It should be 85-90 degrees.
If it is too warm, decrease the temp of the bulb, too cold, increase to 30watts and check again. Make sure you have a
UVB source like the Reptisun 5.0 over the enclosure as well.
This will not produce any heat. The water temp should be
lowered to about 74-76 degrees. If you think about, no where
in the wild is their water temp a constant temp. They must
be able to thermoregulate. If they need to warm they bask
under the light, to cool off they go into the water. You are
not allowing this to happen. Don't worry about the turtle not
finding the food, it will have no problems. Try some
Reptomin sticks soaked first until soft. Also, I would get rid
of the cave and place some fake floating plants in there. The
turtle can hide in these and it seems much more natural to them.

I raised all of my turtles (5) exactly this way and have never
had any problems with them at all. Please make these changes
right away and them try some Reptomin and different foods. I
think you will be very surprised how quickly he will begin to
eat.

Let us know how it comes out.
Linda

I know a couple of people who raised baby turtles in the most inhumane way but they still grew fat and voracious eaters. They may not live happily through those years but they still grew. As far as the tank size, I am no newbie when it comes to growing turtles and the tank is always thermo regulated. I check it. And like you, I successfully grew other species of turtles and find it that babies tend to feel comfortable and safer in a smaller tank. Imagine a child put in a mall all by himself as oppose to a house or a room. A different case when they're all grown-up though, that I know. All my other turtles when they reach 3-4 inches goes to a 75 gallon Tank. You might be right about the cave so I may try that.

I just don't think it's the tank size and heat issue.

I'm not sure you get what thermoragulation means...

Reptiles are cold blooded. They move back and forth from warmer areas to cold areas to control their body temp. In a small cage, such as a 5 gallon, there is no cooler place to escape to. The turtle only has access to one temp and can't cool off. You need to provide a thermal gradient.

Do you have a basking spot?

I think you should move your turtle into a ten gallon and provide a thermal gradient and try feeding other prey items such as live tubifex or bloodworms. The little guys, in my experience, have more of an appetite for these tiny live worms than anything else.

I agree. There is no way they can thermoregulate in a tank
that small. You need to take the advice asked for.

Yeah, turtles can grow at suboptimal care but is that good
enought for you?

Linda

There is a site called TurtleTails.com. I have told this to so many people. This guy is really great. He has a load of pictures of hatchlings of every kind, and shows you every aspect of raising turtles. I really have learned so much from him through the years. Please just look at the site, and the pictures of set ups he has. He will answer any question you have. He has given me so much help with hatchlings and all age groups of turtles.
Just a note....there is an older lady that I used to know that had a red-ear slider from the time it was a quarter size. She used to have it on her bay window in a ten gal tank with just a rock to bask. No lights...only fed it "turtle sticks" as she called them....get this....for 40 years. Some times she would sit in the yard with him in the summer. The turtle was never sick that I know of. Go figure!
Terry