General Care Discussion :: Sexing this little rascal

[Andibenn]

My RES is ready to be sexed and I am ready to know what size tank I will ultimately need. I have tried to figure it out but I just do not trust my own judgment; I'm guessing female because of the claws. I have the best pictures I could get because Tubbs does not like posing.




best picture I could get of the claws:


Also, if anyone sees anything that is concerning about his/her looks, please do not hesitate to let me know. He/she has been overfed in the past because I have a dad who spoils children and pets alike, but I have cut the diet down by using the size of the head rule I read about on here (diet was reptomin pellets, but trying out wardley now, plus baby shrimp treats once in a while). Can't get him/her to eat vegetables though. I know he/she grew too fast. I found him/her in 2011 and I believe he/she was a hatchling at that time but not sure how old.

so, is it a or is it a ??

[mantis]

from the pics i would say female.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

She is a Female and because of the fast growth she has retained scute which is why she is so spikey. You try turtle jello shots? Also blueberrys. You need to work on her to get the scutes to shed. You wanna look for a wheat germ based pellet like Hikari Wheat-Germ. All this will help her with trying to shed her scutes.

[Andibenn]

Thanks Mantis and Diamondbacks4Life! I thought as much. And is the recipe for turtle Jell-O shots on this forum or site somewhere? Thought I had read about it before but can't remember where. So, hikari wheat germ, like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002ARID0/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1364400968&sr=8-1&pi=SL75 ? Should I go for the next size up or will 3.5oz be enough for a while?

Thanks for all of your help

[kerby]

i think its about that time for my turt Izzy to!

[steve]

For the pellets, cut down even more... less than head six every other day. If you suspect some food being sneaked around, presort it in a pill box or have them offer her veggies instead. I'd just keep offering some leafy greens and carrots. Look into freshwater aquatic plants as well.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Thanks Mantis and Diamondbacks4Life! I thought as much. And is the recipe for turtle Jell-O shots on this forum or site somewhere? Thought I had read about it before but can't remember where. So, hikari wheat germ, like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002ARID0/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1364400968&sr=8-1&pi=SL75 ? Should I go for the next size up or will 3.5oz be enough for a while?

Thanks for all of your help

Thats the mini, the one you want should look like: Hikari Wheat Germ Pellets


Link to the recipe on the forum
Jello Shot

[Andibenn]

Ordered the right wheat germ pellets. Now, how should I introduce them into her diet? I have cut down on the pellets, thanks for the advice Steve, but how much of the wheat germ do I give her? Clearly, I have been overfeeding, so best to not trust my own judgment on this haha. Thanks everyone for your help!

[steve]

You can alternate or just mix it together. I mix it with 2 other pellets but I know some people use it once or twice a week.

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Same as steve. I just mix it with my main pellets so 25% of pellets fed is the wheat germ

[Morla]

You can alternate or just mix it together. I mix it with 2 other pellets but I know some people use it once or twice a week.

Do you guys feed wheat germ year round, or only when a shed is overdue?

TY

[steve]

I use it year round, mainly to add variety. I do not have conclusive evidence that it helps with shedding.