General Care Discussion :: Reeves Turtle care?!

[samoose]

I own 2 adult RES but I noe need help with a new species.
I've been doing research for about 2 months and today I finally got it! Two days ago I set up the Zilla 20 gallon turtle kit. UVA and UVB and all the filter and all that is all good. I brought him home today. Just less than half his tank is filled with a thick mossy water plant and the other side is the filter. He has a good basking platform and all that. His water temp is 78-80. I feed him 2 brands of pellets and a frozen type of shrimp. The problem is that I never can get him to come and eat. I tried putting him in a little container but he refused food. It's only the fist day. Also should I lower the water? It's about 4 inche's high and he's about 1 inch long. I've heard they are not good swimmers. Should I give him less of an area to swim for now? Should I lower the water? And how should I feed him? In a container or what? Any tips would be helpful! Thanks!

[Kansasslider]

http://www.chelonia.org/articles/creevesiicare.htm Its new to its surroundings. It will eat in time.

[samoose]

Anyone else have tips

[steve]

I wouldn't try feeding in a separate container just yet. Main thing is to get them to eat, then eat consistently. Shallow areas, maybe resting areas would be a good idea. Make sure that the filter is not powerful enough to trap him.

See if he will be interested in worms, mosquito larvae and small fish.

Also check:
http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/up ... 1_2011.pdf
http://tortoise.org/archives/reeves.html

[samoose]

I've been slowly raising the water level and noticed he's been eating quite good in the tank. He basks most of the day. He water level is where he can stand on his back legs to get air. But some parts he needs to swim to get air and I've noticed he's learned how to keep himself floating while he's breathing. But mostly walks along the bottom.

[steve]

Sounds great. Any pics?