Urgent Care :: Worried about eating...

[Spoofehness]

How big is your turtle?
About two inches of the shell, three stretched out.
How long have you had it?
About five or so days.

What is the water temperature?
69*F
Are you using a water heater?
No.
How much water is in there?
just under three inches deep in a five by eight container. (TEMPORARY untill I build a good terrarium)
Are you using a water conditioner?
No
Are you using any filtration?
No, but I clean it daily and thoroughly.

What is the basking temperature?
Unknown. I'll measure it tomorrow and edit this post.

Is there a basking light?
No.
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
Yes.
What kind is it or what is it made out of?
Natural rock. Not sure what kind of rock.
Is there a UVB light?
I put him in real daylight often.

What have you been trying to feed it?
Romain Lettuce and small turtle floating stick pellets.
When was the last time your turtle ate?
Unknown. Before I got it.
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
5 By 8 inch contianer untill I build the terrarium.
Is the tank near a window?
Yes.
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?
No.

Have you read the Basic Care section?
Yes.
Have you searched the forums for similar situations?
Yes.

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?
No. I'm told being skittish around new owners is normal among young RES. Other than that his actions are normal for an RES.

I was told when I posted in the nutrition section that I should post here. I've only had this turtle for a few days and have looked up all possible information on his care. He hasn't eaten since I rescued him from a neglectful friend and I'm terribly worried for his health. He isn't lethargic at all and doesn't have any odd behavior but he's very young and I know he should have more of an appitite.

[missibsu]

You need a water heater...water for a hatchling should be around 78F. With temps that low, he's not going to eat. That could be the main reason for the lack of appetite.

Despite the temporary solution while you are building, your turtle needs approx 10 gallons of water per inch. For a quick and cheap temporary home, you can use a rubbermaid storage container.

Make sure to add some good filtration, once you increase the size of your tank, you aren't going to want to clean that much water everyday.

Basking temps should be 10 degrees warmer than the water temp. This heat can come from a regular household bulb. Even if you are taking your turtle out for real sun, you still need a functioning basking spot.

[Spoofehness]

Thank you for the suggestion of the tank, but where can I buy it? I recognize that filtration systems and heaters can be bought in pet stores. Where can I get this rubbermaid thing?

[missibsu]

Rubbermaid bins can be found at your local walmart for around 20 bucks or less. I believe that the colored ones are more durable than the clear ones, but I'm not 100% on that. They are in the housewares section...with the storage bins, the closet organizers, etc.

[Spoofehness]

>_< Can you think of any other place? I hate Wallmart. They indirectly use child laybor.

[flutterby]

Kmart, Target, Lowes, or Home Depot have them as well.

[Spoofehness]

Thank you very much! I hope this will help her. And ease my mind in the process.