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Post Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 11:28 pm   New to the turtle world!

Hello! I recently got a red eared slider turtle from some people who no longer wanted it. I've been learning a lot about this species but I'm unsure about his age. Could someone give me an estimate based on shell color? Is he fully grown?

Thanks!
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Post Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2015 11:37 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

Welcome to the forum! Depending on the size of the turtle, SHE could be 5-10 years. There are so many factors that can effect growth, and female RES don't have the drastic color changes that males do.
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Post Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 12:01 am   Re: New to the turtle world!

She?! I thought it was a boy because of the long front claws! I haven't read much about shell colors (other than young turtles look more green in color). Can you tell me more about the differences in their shells?
I haven't measured the turtle's shell yet. But I estimate it to be about 6 or 7 inches in length. That's a 10 gallon aquarium in the photo to give you an idea. (The turtle will soon have an 80 gallon aquarium as soon as I get it cleaned up).
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Post Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 6:30 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

Well, it could be a shel, can you post pics of the tail extended and front claws shown? If it is a male, then I would say 3-5 years old. Males become melanastic, so the shells become darker and skin greyer. Males also have a longer nose.
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Post Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2015 10:35 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

Ok, here is another photo. I haven't looked under the tail yet. I was trying to let the turtle settle down a bit first. I've only had the turtle for two days so far.
I noticed that the pinky claws look short but the other claws are very long. Do you think it's a boy based on the claws?
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 12:04 am   Re: New to the turtle world!

From that angle, I would say male. What about the length of the shell?
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 7:25 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

The turtle's shell is about 6 inches long and 4 1/2 inches wide. Can you estimate the age?

Also, about how many pieces of the reptomin food should I give him/her per day? I also have some romaine lettuce and some shredded carrot pieces to offer as well.
Anything else I should know?
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 7:45 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

Yep that's a boy :-) There are better sticks to feed might I suggest Omega One.
1 Male Mississippi Map/Mississippi
1 Female RES/Slidy.
1 DBT White Concentric Female/ Lucky
1 DBT Male/ Spots
(Housed in the same tank)

300 gallon indoor stock tank, FX6 & FX5 filters. Mega-Ray 100w UVB bulb.
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 8:36 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

Thanks for the info Kansas! :)

So you have a 300 gallon tank?! Wow! Do you have a photo to share? Sounds awesome!
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Post Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 9:08 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

I can take pictures if you want to see it . Its in my other posts if you click on my avatar you can find it.. Its a black plastic stock tank in my basement. Didnt want you to think its glass!
1 Male Mississippi Map/Mississippi
1 Female RES/Slidy.
1 DBT White Concentric Female/ Lucky
1 DBT Male/ Spots
(Housed in the same tank)

300 gallon indoor stock tank, FX6 & FX5 filters. Mega-Ray 100w UVB bulb.
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 2:18 am   Re: New to the turtle world!

Well I'm sure your turtles must be very happy with a 300 gallon tank! Even if it isn't glass! I hope my turtle will be as happy in his new home!
I notice he has a little red bump on the back of his neck. It looks like where his shell would rub when he ducks his head in the water. Is this normal?
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 4:54 am   Re: New to the turtle world!

it doesn't look like the nuchal scute poses a problem. Was he kept with another turtle that might have injured him?
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steve
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 7:40 am   Re: New to the turtle world!

My tank.
Image
1 Male Mississippi Map/Mississippi
1 Female RES/Slidy.
1 DBT White Concentric Female/ Lucky
1 DBT Male/ Spots
(Housed in the same tank)

300 gallon indoor stock tank, FX6 & FX5 filters. Mega-Ray 100w UVB bulb.
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Kansasslider
 
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 3:23 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

steve wrote:it doesn't look like the nuchal scute poses a problem. Was he kept with another turtle that might have injured him?


No, he wasn't kept with other turtles as far as I know. But the previous owners had him outside in a plastic tub with shallow water and a rock. They had to put another tub on top to keep predators out. They had been planning to release him into the wild for about two weeks. I think he may have been kept inside before that.
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Post Posted: Tue Nov 24, 2015 3:25 pm   Re: New to the turtle world!

Kansasslider wrote:My tank.
Image


Oh my! That is very nice! Thanks for sharing! :)
Are those fish I see in there?
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