Hi! Introduce yourselves here. :: Long time lurker, New user in need of advice.

[roger_paul]

I've been taking care of two red-slider turtles (male and female) for two years now and this forum has provided immense support and advice. My sincere gratitute for this site and to all the users that actively post on this forum. I inherited Lou(male) and Clarita(female) from my girlfriend who moved away to Florida 2 years ago. I live in New Jersey.

Once again I reach to you as I'm not able to take care of the turtles anymore. My work schedule has changed and it requires me to travel for a few days at a time. I'm heart broken and don't know what to do. I don't know anyone that can keep an eye on them while I'm away and I'm afraid that skipping on the daily care/cleaning will be detrimental to both Lou and Clarita. I'm considering giving them up to a good home but this is not my first option.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

Roger

[steve]

I'd think 2 or 3 days is OK, though if it were longer, then there should be somebody to check in on them.

[theguys]

OK Roger, Don't give up. I don't know where you are located, but check first -the pet stores in your area. Oour largest pet store will babysit them in your home, if you're prepared to pay. I worry though about lighting, etc. Sometimes they will adopt. Check also any local animal rescue outfits. It's amazing where these contacts can lead. Do you have a local vet who does reptiles. Leave a sign in their office asking for help, or ask the vet - they know who else may be willing to help out.

Three days is a long time to leave them. We have a friend who comes in and feeds them and let's them have a walk. Another option is to hire a local high school student and pay them to drop by before and after school, feed them and turn lights on or off.

Please don't just abandon them, or let them loose in the wild where they cannot survive after being captive. Let me know how your search goes.

[adam85491]

You can put the lights on a timer and they also have automatic fish food dispensers that might be able to work as turtle pellet dispensers, and if you left a few pieces of lettuce in there and some cuttlebone they should be fine.

[theguys]

Brilliant idea on the lights, Adam. Actually, I shall remember that for myself, as I never trust friends to understand how they need their lights on and off at the right times. And they won't starve in 3 days.

[adam85491]

Thanks, you will find that several people on this forum use timers. And I was just looking at an automatic fish feeder that set you can adjust the amount and it said it worked for pellets, so small amounts twice a day would be pretty good for a turtle, I suppose.

[theguys]

My turtles will eat no pellets at all. I think they are spoiled. I am trying to make them vegans but - forget it. They eat shrimp, raw chicken, raw fish, and raw red meat. They just won't even try anything else - shrimp pellets, or any of the turtle food. On the other hand, they seem in great shape...so, I worry though about vitamins, etc.

[theguys]

Hey, ROger Paul - what happened to your turtles?

[theguys]

Dear Adams, THank you again - the timer goes on tomorrow.

[adam85491]

I know this is an introduction thread, but my turtles like HBH pellets. These are colorful pellets made from fruits and vegetables and might get your turtle interested in pellets. They are very cheap and I use Nutrafin pellets to get them vitamins that they might not be getting with HBH pellets (Though, I like that the HBH ones are made from fruits and veggies). You can also soak pellets in tuna juice to help as all that meat is actually bad for them.

[theguys]

Hi Again,

Yeah, I just realized I'm in the wrong forum. I shall ahve to go to nutrition. As a last query, however, how do I break their eating habits - just starve them for ahile? And are HBH pellets for other pets? I've never seen them.

[adam85491]

HBH pellets come in a big yellow container ( about the size of a soda can) and have a twistable lid. They make different kinds for different pets and are smaller than the floating sticks. Don't starve them, just entice them with tuna-soaked pellets and offer cuttlebone (it may contain salt which will draw them to it). I make my bone about the size of a nickel or smaller.

[megcornell]

Roger, when you travel are we talking two-three trips a month or only a few times a year? Depending on how much you travel I'm certain you can find a source of help for caring for them while you are away- a friend or neighbor? Worst case, a few days on a timer system won't harm the turtles. I hate to see people who genuinely enjoy their turtles have to give them up, I hope you find a solution