Feeding and Nutrition :: Growth

[A&N_Potter]

I have 4 young RES and 3 seem to be growing normally, but 1 seems to have barely grown at all since we got them (we purchased them together). Conditions are the same for all of the turtles. Also, the smaller one seems more frightened than the others, so when we feed him, he scurrys off and I feel like he doesnt eat (although I'm sure he does). The is no behavior that would make me think it is ill.

If this helps, they are still young, so we havent officially determined the sexes, is it possible the smaller one is just a male and the 3 larger ones are female?

Any input/similar experiences are welcomed.

[Vtolds]

Feed them in seperate tanks so the others dont take all the food. chances are the others are being over fed and the small on is being under fed because he is too scared to eat.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Never assume one is eating. I'd feed them separately for awhile and see if they continue at different rates. I don't think the growth difference is noticeable until they get closer to maturity, although they could have different genetics.

[marisa]

At that age, size isn't indicative of the sex. If the little one seems timid and perhaps isn't getting enough food, I'd consider giving him his own set-up. Even with a larger tank (somewhere you said you were getting a 75-gallon?), if you've got 4 turtles, and they each have shell lengths of around 2 inches, the tank could already be too small for them. I get the feeling the little one is perhaps being bullied or stressed somehow, and if so, it's only going to get worse.

[A&N_Potter]

Well just FYI, the other turles are about 5 inches from top/bottom of shell. So I guess they are not babies, but not mature...they are just still new to me. It's been less than a year and they've grown rapidly already!

Anyway, how long do you suggest separating them for? I know some of you are suggesting permanent separtion, but I hope/intend to keep them together as long as I can (until problems like aggression, etc arise). Although not common, other users mention their turtles are fine together, so I hope for that outcome. Anyways, if I separte them for too long, will the 3 get territorial and become aggressive towards the 4th if/when I put him back with them?

Also, FYI, I did mention we have a 75 gallon, which is majorly pushing it now, but we of couse actively looking for a much larger aquarium (300-500gal). If anyone has a good maker/seller of such sizes, let me know!