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Just as I suspected, everything's fine. He said the black parts in between the scutes was so prominent because they're growing too fast. 6 months ago I cut their feedings down to 3x a week. Aparently that's still too much. He said they're about 3 times the size they should be He suggested I cut feedings down to 2 times a week, then 1, and I should let them cool down for the winter. Not hybernate them but slow their metabolism down a bit til spring. I asked him about the kill zone as far as water temp goes and he said it's pretty hard to kill the lil buggers and he's been doing it for years. So I guess that's what I'll do.

Well I'm glad they are ok... relatively so

How big are your turtles and how old are they? Just trying to see how mine compare. Ever since I've been on this forum I've been paranoid about overfeeding etc. That whole feed them as much as can fit in their head thing is so subjective. Just wish someone would say, when your turtle's SCL is 4" feed them this many pellets x times a week.

Only feeding them pellets once a week?? Poor you.. they'll be splashing around all the time I'm not sure I could handle that pressure. *hugs* keep us updated on how they are handling it

My girls are 1 year old and SCL is about 5 inches for each. I know..way too big. It'll be really hard but I've got to do what's best for them. Hopefully when I move them to a bigger tank they'll have more to do so they won't beg so much. I thought 3x a week was rough!

I think I've researched before what is a good size for them at a year but I don't recall ever finding any. What size did he say they should be?? I mean mine are a year and 4" & 3.5"... could he have been exaggerating on the 3x's the size they should be?? Can I ask how much you were feeding them so I can compare?? I mean the pellets/protien etc.. they get veggies all the time, not sure that would make them grow too fast would it?

Good to hear nothing's seriously wrong.

I've always read that at a year, 3 - 3.5 inches is what would be a pretty good growth.

I've been feeding Tilly pellets 2X a week for a while now and have been feeding the painted hatchlings (10 months) pellets every other day.

I find that feeding "the amount that would fit in their head" is pretty vague. I've obviously been over-estimating. I've been doing that 3x a week. I've heard as far as growth rate that 1 inch a year is ideal but who knows.

Hey marisa, I forgot to ask him about the water temp. He said I should let them cool down but how low can I go with water temp before it's dangerous?

Good question, I've never cooled down a turtle. For breeding purposes at least, I've read that Jan and Feb, or about 6-8 weeks is the cooling period. Any heating in the tank should be turned off and the temp should be between 50 and 60F. A turtle will become inactive and will eat little or nothing. They should be left alone and quiet. If I were you, though, I'd ask the vet that suggested it to you to be sure and do some reading on the subject. I would think the temp would be lowered somewhat gradually. What you're doing is slowing down the metabolism/growth.

It's strange--that's what every Japanese turtle keeper I ever met did with their turtles in Tokyo. They said they would just let them "sleep" over the winter months. They thought I was crazy for using a water heater. Don't know if or how many woke up in the spring by doing this, though. But I know of some turtle keepers who don't use water heaters in the winter and their turtles seem to make it through the cold months fine.

I know a woman with a slider that keeps him/her in sub-par conditions as far as space and food goes and has never used a heater OR a lamp!! Her's also makes it thru the colder months just fine.

I can't imagine letting the tank get to 50 or 60 tho, I mean, it's in my living room so it's never going to get that cold!

Would I still put the lamp on 12 hours a day or do I shorten that too? I know I should have asked him all this but there were other things on my mind, and he gets to talkin..lol

Then I'd explain to your vet what the temps would be where they are now without the heat. Perhaps you'll have to move them to another part of your apt.

I don't think you'd have to use lights.

ugh..when I got them, I pretty much set up the tank in the only spot it would fit. Either way, it'll be another month or so before I have to worry about that because it's still so hot here.

Glad your turtles are okay
Is 3x a week too much for a majority of turtles? How much veggies do you have to give them now?

I dont think the 3x a week was too much, I just think I was way overestimating the amount that should fit inside the head. But he suggested even less because they're growing way too fast.

Right now, they get veggies every day, like a large leaf of romaine in the morning and an aquatic plant in the afternoon. Different veggies every day tho.

I had cut mine back to 2 X per week also, and gave veggies in between, I then went back to 3X per week because I thought I wasn't feeding them enough! I guess I had it right before.. I am going back to 2 X per week for pellets again...

I've heard of people leaving their RES outside during the winter or in bare tanks. I still feed mine every day, though they get very little pellets. 2 x weekly is probably the least I would give them. I would also add that I try to keep my RES active, especially compared to what other people here do.

Although your RES are big for their age, would they really benefit from slowing their metabolism down now? A reduced protein diet, I can understand...

Should you turn on your basking lamp while they are cooling down? This does not necessarily mean they are hibernating right?