Feeding and Nutrition :: Feeding question

[dkhx2]

I just recently got a res from someone who couldnt keep him anymore . Hes about 5 yrs old approx 9 inches name is leonardo but we call him timmy tommy turtle. He has been sick recently which i took him to a vet for but i have recieved tons of different info from the vet and the pet store owner of the shop i go to im confused. Vet said to feed him guppies and not the gold fish feeder fish. Guppies are way to small and fast for him. Pet shop owner said feed him everyday 2 times a day. Im trying to figure out exactly what to feed him. I want to make sure he is as heathy as can be but all the info if get even reading on websites everyone says something different. I did read all the food info posted on here. Just want to double check on what others opinions are on how often to feed him.

[megcornell]

Welcome!

Your vet is correct about the feeder fish- guppies or rosy red minnows are MUCH healthier than goldfish. Goldfish are too fatty. But, either way, feeder fish should only be a rare treat since they're high in protein. If you turtle is still getting used to a larger set up, it may take him a little while to grow accustomed to hunting fish- but he'll get the hang of it.

As you have an adult RES, he's not growing very quickly at all anymore. So, his diet should be adjusted to fit his needs. You should be feeding him vegetables daily and one "headful" of pellets every other day. Leafy greens are excellent veggies to feed- take a look at the nutrition tabs to see "what to feed" and "what not to feed."

Lighting is also important for nutrition. Make sure your turtle has a UVB light to help him produce vitamin D3. Make sure he also has a UVA (heat) bulb to entice him out to bask so he can warm up to properly digest food.

[dkhx2]

Thanks yeah lighting and everything seems to be ok. These people i got him from did not give me correct info on taking care of him. So i have been doing alot of research on my own. They told me he wouldnt eat any greens so they never fed them to him but i gave him some kale last night he didnt eat much but he tried which is a start i think im gonna make the jello shots..lol. Thank you so much for your reply

[megcornell]

It sounds like timmy has lucked out ending up in your care

Turtles who initially aren't very veggie-friendly seem to warm up to water plants a bit quicker sometimes. Anacharis is a popular aquatic plant among RES, and although they;ll rip it to shreds many love it. If your local aquarium store has it you may want to invest in a sprig or two.