General Care Discussion :: General inquiry

[Sagar92]

Hello,Iv got a new res turtle around 6 inches shell size .. I just need to know how to give him a good and a perfect diet ?.. For commercial turtle food Iv got grammus and green pellets (sticks) both from tetra repto min . What else from home can I feed him ? Preferably which green leaves r best fr him and how much ? Thank you

[steve]

6 inches... nearly adult size for some males. Omega One and Mazuri are the best turtle pellets out there. I'd cut down on the grammus and reptomin to maybe twice a month or less while using the other pellets.

Red leaf lettuce is pretty good for them, I use it daily.

[Jeremiah]

I'd also like to recommend Saki-Hikari Turtle Diet. It has the same amount of protein as Mazuri, but has some other microbial benefits as well. If your turtle is willing to try other vegetables, lots of people have had good results with red bell pepper.

[steve]

I mix in some Hikari koi pellets into my turtle pellet rotation, they make quality stuff!

[Sagar92]

Thank you so much ! Please do let me know if there is anything more I can give him ! Really appreciated !!

[steve]

The main thing is to not overfeed protein or anything else generally. A varied diet is often best.

[Sagar92]

Alright please tell me pellets around how many should I feed him a day based on his size .. Around 10 ?

[steve]

Pellet sizes vary. Check out this page: http://www.redearslider.com/pellets.html

just a heads up... give less than what it says there until I update the page. So maybe 1/3 or 1/4 head size if you will use daily.

[Sagar92]

nothing is mentioned about how many to give in number ?

[Sagar92]

Thank you so much for ur help Steve ... I'd like to know more so that I can TC of my turtle ... Iv seen a few people taking care of their turtle by brushing their shells with a toothbrush saying that will prevent infection and should be done once a week. Well I do change water and clean filter of my turtle regularly but I have never like cleaned the turtle using anything . Because my turtle is still shedding the shell scales and I dontthink it's alright to use toothbrush to keep his shell clean as they feel their shell too . What would be advice able ? What should I do ? Iv had him for a couple of months now and he seems healthy and playful . Please tell me what's the best .

[steve]

The number of pellets will vary because they come in different shapes and sizes. Brushing is usually not necessary. Maybe if there is algae on there and you want to get rid of it. Basking is great for preventing infections. Can you post a picture of what it looks like?

[Jeremiah]

Well I do change water and clean filter of my turtle regularly

Which parts of the filter do you clean? You don't have to clean the bio-media unless you're re-starting the tank.

[Sagar92]

I clean the filter only

[Sagar92]

[Sagar92]

Here is the imaage Steve.. It's right after his basking is done