Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We never have any pet for many years and yesterday morning we found a painted turtle sitting in front of my garage. I took the turtle and put him in a clear 56qt Sterillite storage box with water, rocks and a tree branch. I took some pics with digicam and went to a pet store and the lady identified it as painted turtle. As suggested, we bought "Zoo med Natural Aquatic Turtle food". The lady also suggested an aquarium plus what not that cost nearly $150. I'm not sure if I want to spend that much but my 7 years old son is very exited about it and he already named the turtle. That evening he gave a teaspoon and their untouched. This morning my son gave another teaspoon and I can see the painted didn't eat it. What should I do? This is our first experience with aquarium pet, I'm worried the painted doesnt want to eat. Should I buy the aquarium set to replace the clear storage? please advise anything.

Is there a pond, or lake where you live that the turtle could have come from? If there is your best bet is to put it back. If not, maybe someone has a pond that she escaped from, or they just got tired and "put her out". Sad, in any case. Try some live blood worms, or dig up a worm in your garden. Also, some water plants that you would put in a pond like duckweed. If she comes from a nearby pond, she would not know about turtle food, and would be eating water plants, and little bugs that are in the pond. Or you could try a small goldfish. This is not a good diet, but it is a start if you want to make her eat. When I first got my rescue slider, she would eat nothing but dried shrimp.

Yes there is a pond around a quarter mile. I will try your suggestions in the morning. thanks!

i just lost my painted turtle
do u live in chicago???

no, sorry jimmy, I'm in northen DE area.

terryo, thanks very much for your input and food list. Of all the list of food we found online, she finally eats our garden worms that you suggested and she's happy now.