Feeding and Nutrition :: Beginning New Diet - Need Advice

[HoitleToitle]

I know I'm probably getting annoying with all the questions that I have, but I'm just trying to make Tank as healthy as possible. He's my first RES and I don't want my lack of knowledge to cost him health or happiness. Again, he's my first RES and I'm not that knowledgeable, but after reading a lot here, I need to change his diet.

All he's eating now is a mixture of Fluker's Buffet Blend for Aquatic Turtles (Round colorful pellets), Reptomin, and dried mealworms, crickets, and shrimp. I alternate these over the period of a week, but not ever consistently. He refuses to eat any lettuce or veggies. I'm thinking about trying the "Jello Shots", because I read on that thread that it's a great way to temp reluctant turtles.

However, I am needing some advice on where to begin. I know I want to establish a diet that is healthiest for him and supports shell health. Once I establish one, I'll have no trouble writing it down, posting it above his tank on the wall, and following it. I just don't even know where to begin.

I have tried feeding him Romaine lettuce, and he's not having it. Any assistance is much appreciated, as always. (I'd really like a list of veggies I could try on him).

Also, I'm including a photo of him and asking that someone let me know his shell looks somewhat healthy. I will include a photo of his shell moisturizer that I currently use biweekly as well. I know I've messed up to this point only feeding him pellets, but I never even thought about something else. I feel bad, really. I'm willing to do anything to correct anything you see wrong, and I know it's going to be a slow, agonizing process.

Bottom shell:


Top Shell:


Front:


Moisturizer:


Thanks again! I know it's long.. Ask anything you need to know that I may have left out. He's about a year old.


Sincerely,
Hoitle.

[steve]

From the pics, it looks like he's grown too fast. How many pellets does he get regularly? I would also try using a veggie clip before you make the Jello Shot. Also skip the VitaShell as it is potentially more harmful then helpful.

[HoitleToitle]

Normally, he gets two dried worms or three pellets. How do I correct the problem? And alright, I'll do some reading on the VitaShell to learn about pros and cons and make a decision there.

[swiltz]

Seems like your turtle has retained scutes.. correct this by providing it with the proper UVB/UVA lighting and at least 8 hrs of basking time daily. That would ensure the proper metabolism of nutrients (calcium) and to aid in its shed.
Increase the amount of calcium in your turtles diet by dropping a cuttlebone into its tank.. your turtle will chew on it whenever it feels like it and get the calcium it needs!

For vegetables, try green/red leaf lettuce, dandelion leaves, collard greens, endives, turnip leaves and occasionally some fruits

Turtles are creatures of habit, they've gotten used to you feeding them all these good tasting meaty food all this while, some gradual "tough love" would "make" the turtle realize that greens are now officially part of its diet!

[steve]

How big are the worms? Is it possible someone else around the house is sneaking food in?