Feeding and Nutrition :: Am I feeding them enough

[Racer_X_123]

I have 2 Baby RES's and every day i feed them each 1 whole repotomin pellet.

I know the rule is enough to fit inside their head, but they always seem to want more. Also it has been about 2 months since we got them and i dont think that they have grown anything noticeable.

[Starchick]

Are you feeding them vegetables as well? Babies might refuse veggies at first but it's important that you offer them. If they're still hungry after their pellets they'll eventually eat the vegetables.

And turtles will always want more. They are notorious beggars!

[Racer_X_123]

yes i give them each half a leaf (not bigger than a quarter) along with one pellet and they eat that up as well.

Also i noticed that the shell is still sort of soft and wondering how i can remedy that.

[Starchick]

The shells of babies are usually slightly flexible, but not too much. All you need to do to ensure a strong shell is provide a basking spot at the proper temperature, direct, unfiltered uvb (most people like the reptisun 5.0) and a good, varied diet with a cuttlebone to supplement their calcium. If the living conditions are good the shells should harden up as they grow.

[Racer_X_123]

ok yeah i have all those things listed.. UVB reptiglow 5.0, 90-100* basking temp. I will have to go get cuttlebone though. Do i just put the whole thing in the tank or break it up into small peices?

[Starchick]

It's best if you break it up, because it tends to sink to the bottom after a week or so and then they don't want it anymore. It just wastes less if you give them smaller pieces. One size of the cuttlebone will be harder than the other, so you have to pry that part off before you give it to them. I use a kitchen knife to break it into chunks and pick off the backing.