Feeding and Nutrition :: In need of a turtle tutor

[Cstark]

Just recently got a RES after three days he passed so we returned him and got one from a different pet store....Thing is this was my lil brothers gift to my daughter and i really want him/her it to have a long happy life..I have a million questions..?? Sooo any takers

[Caphits]

Just read the threads. I bet ALL of your questions have already been answered. If you cant find anything, post a new thread.

[Mauk]

I think the main page has more then enough to get you started as well :p

[BullDog]

I agree. A good jumping-off point is the main site (www.redearslider.com).
There is also a search function for the forum. If you can't find what you need, please feel free to ask and we'll help you as best we can.

Be aware that turtles are not a child's pet. They're not meant to be handled, and the care is something that really only an adult can do (like cleaning the filter and tank, upgrading the habitat, cost of lighting and any vet bills that may come up).

[joeybsmooth]

We are all here to help.

But I have to disagree a little bit with bulldogs , turtles can be great for young people as long as they know .. and have your help . They can be used to instill responsibility for the kid .

[TheComputerGremlin]

Just ask away! Seriously, when I first got my turtle, I asked long threads of questions. And everyone answered. I'd also read on here every day, every thread I could (that's why I am now doing the answering!).

The main site has a lot of good information. Beyond that, you'll just have random questions that pop up, due to experiences you have. You are always welcome to PM me.

As BullDog said, turtles aren't the greatest children's pet, though with some help, any pet can help to teach children responsibility. You can definitely let your child feed her turtle all of their meals, just make sure that she learns to wash her hands super well after any encounter with the turtle (often I get splashed during feeding time, so I wash afterwards). Other than that, age will dictate how much more she'll be able to help. If you get a long scrubber on a stick (maybe something from the bath section of the store), she can help wipe down the sides of the tank each week. The filter will definitely be an adult project, though.

[Cstark]

I read everything from the basic care to habitat..Was really trying to see what had happen to our first RES frankie he passed away on monday and for only having him for three days this was heartbreaking i balled for days still am.Since we had no turtle exp when we got him we would have known something was wrong since he never opened his mouth or left the basking area he was also extra friendly..Which we thought was a good thing.So he really had none of the signs from reading about infections etc on this page..When i woke monday morning his head was tucked and dropped down in his shell,not stiff but lifeless..Any idea?

[joeybsmooth]

I am not sure but normally it takes longer than that for a turtle to die. I think he could have been sick before hand .

[steve]

Cstark, I locked this topic. You have a similar topic elsewhere and it might be easier to read everything if the replies are together.