Other Turtle Discussion :: How would I go about...

[Peva]

Ok, i'll just periodically check the turtle sorce. Thanks guys!

But do I really have to worry about it dieing? I plan on monitoring what I feed it everyday, and anything else I do with it, and then will post here, so the only reason i should worry about it dieing is because of natural causes.

Is it really a worry?

[LilTurtSquirt]

[Peva]

Not if you take it to a vet if he appears sick.

My hatchling is a little over 6 months old, and just got an upper respiratory infection. He had to be seen by an exotics vet for treatment. If you get a hatchling and it starts acting ill, get it to a vet immediately for treatment, and you'll decrease the chances of it dying dramatically.

As far as growth, it does not take 6-10 years for a turtle to become large.

I know some with red eared sliders who had a hatchling and they got 5 inches by 2-3 years old. All turtles grow at a different rate, and it also depends if it's male or female.

For the tank, a 55 gallon would do just fine for a hatchling for about 2 years, and then you will need to upgrade to something larger.

For supplies to start off, you will need:

- A subermersible heater (look for a shatterproof, like a Marineland Stealth, which runs around $30)
- A heat lamp
- A heat bulb for basking
- A basking dock
- A UVB strip light (not the compact) with a 5.0 or high UVB bulb
- A thermometer for the water, and another one for the basking area
- A very good canister filter, especially for a 55 gallon. Something like a Rena XP3 for about $150 would be good, and would also work fine when you upgrade to something larger. A filter is one of the most important accessories for a tank. Turtles drink the same water they poop in, and water quality = turtle health. So a good filter is a must.
- Aquarium water testing kit. I recommend the API Freshwater Master kit, which is very accurate, lasts for hundreds of tests, and runs around $40. Your water will need to be tested every few days, and partial water changes done as needed.

That's the bare neccessities that you'll absolutely require. Everything else is up to you, like rocks (not aquarium gravel, because turtles will eat it and risk impaction), plants, driftwood, and other accessories, ect.

If you already have the 55 gallon, you'll need around $250 to get you started. A good canister filter runs around $120 - $150. A heat lamp is around $15, the bulb another $8 if you go with infrared spot basking bulbs. UVB strip and bulb combo is around $35, aquarium heater is around $30, thermometers, if you go digital, which are better, are around $15. Water test kit is around $40.

And make sure to start saving for an emergency fund for any possible vet visits. Any turtle can get sick at any time, and upper respiratory infections are VERY common in turtles of any age. Hatchlings are even more susceptible. And exotics vets are not cheap, but a sick turtle without veterinary care will die. So vet care for these little guys is a part of responsible ownership.

That was so helpful. You have no idea.

- A subermersible heater (look for a shatterproof, like a Marineland Stealth, which runs around $30)

Shouldn't be a problem
.
- A heat lamp
- A heat bulb for basking

Both shouldn't be a problem.

- A basking dock

How much would that run me? I can just use floating wood, right?

- A UVB strip light (not the compact) with a 5.0 or high UVB bulb

what is that?

- A thermometer for the water, and another one for the basking area

Digital? How much for both?

- A very good canister filter, especially for a 55 gallon. Something like a Rena XP3 for about $150 would be good, and would also work fine when you upgrade to something larger. A filter is one of the most important accessories for a tank. Turtles drink the same water they poop in, and water quality = turtle health. So a good filter is a must.

Well, I can probably get this. Just cant I buy a cheaper one and clean the water more often till I can afford a good one?

- Aquarium water testing kit. I recommend the API Freshwater Master kit, which is very accurate, lasts for hundreds of tests, and runs around $40. Your water will need to be tested every few days, and partial water changes done as needed.

Yeah, that shouldnt be a problem.

[LilTurtSquirt]

[Peva]

Thanks man

[Peva]

So on http://theturtlesource.com/turtle_inven ... =100200300
it dosent show small size. I assume this is because it is out of shop?

[LilTurtSquirt]

[Peva]

Well, how would I got about getting a hatchling?

[LilTurtSquirt]

[freshprince2146]

Try flea markets or your local classifides( craigslist )

[n00bEmpty]

You're looking for hatchlings? All I have are hatchlings, :/ Some barely lost their yolk sack.

[theartbook35]

I brought mine from a fleamarket breeder. Well, I didn't buy them, my mom's ex-boyfriend did. I don't condone this method, but, I have given my turtles the best care I can provide, and they are healthy, happy, and growing. I also scored a beautiful mississippi map/RES hybrid from this method. Mine were pretty healthy when they came home, they have stunted growth of course but I think considering how much they've grown lately, they will probably get pretty big. In any case, they were certainly in better condition than the turtles I see in local pet stores!

But, if it were up to me, had I known what lousy caretakers fleamarket breeders tend to be, plus the work that goes into turtle care, I would have said to buy them in a pet store instead. The pet store turtle probably would be dead by now.

I'd go with an online breeder if I were you.

[coreyvht]

get one at petco get the smallest male you can find it will be fine in the 55b gal for along time the 10 gal rule dosent need to imply i dont know who made that up butt ya a 55 gal sholud be just fine my cousin has a 10 ich female in a 55 gall and its like the perfect size for it even when it gets to 12 inches

and yes more water is better but a 55 gal is just fine for a male res maybe get an ouachita map turtle they stay fairley smaller smaller then male res and they look cool
adult males get 3 1/2 -5inch

[coreyvht]

http://www.theturtlesource.com/turtle_i ... =100200335

and you can either order a smaller one or a medium there awsome very social turtles ive had mine for 2 days and he loves to bask in front of me and say hi ...and they have those cool black nobes

[n00bEmpty]

There's a pastel turtle if you're looking for one. http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=39&de=758228
Looks fairly small. Or you could get a false map one. http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=39&de=697130