As the rule that most on this site follows, feed as many pellets as you would be able to fit in your turtle's head if it were hollow (neck not included). I'm not sure which brand of turtle pellets you use, some a fat, while others are skinny, but I guess 3-4 are fine. 2 maybe even.
I suggest you consider reading the nutrition page on the main site again, it is extremely clear and helpful in promoting a healthy turtle.
Meat should never be fed, especially raw meat. Bacteria such as Salmonella on raw meat is somewhat common, and can not only cause sickness to us, but turtles as well. Some exceptions are boiled plain chicken, but because they are high in protein, should be a
rare treat, once every few months is fine. Not to mention that it is often hard and frustrating to cut your turtle on meat once it has started, since to them, meat is like chocololate, or cigarettes for those of you that smoke,
. Often they will refuse anything else other than meat, so it's another reason not to feed them meat.
Live prey, as suggested on the site, is tasty for turtles, and can be offered as a fun, rare treat, once every few weeks to months is more than enough, turtles are best served pellets and fresh green veggies (some exceptions apply, see what veggies NOT to feed your turtle). Most reputable turtle pellet brands have more than enough protein already in them, there is no need to put your turtle on a meat or live prey diet, it will only make them fat and generally, unhealthy. Feeder fish are fun to watch as occasional treats as I said earlier, but again, don't use it as a staple. As for worms, they are by no means necessary, and many successful turtle keepers have never fed worms to their turtles either, so unless you want to crush some worms, they are not required. If you do, best to wash them, throw out the nasty ones or ones that are clearly sick, and use common sense in selecting fresh worms. I think worms are better live than dead.
Often the result of overfeeding and too much protein is "
Pyramiding", it is a serious and painful experience for a turtle, causing permanent and severe shell deformities. Do a search on the site and you will find pictures and more detailed information on this disorder.
When they say that hatchlings are more carnivorous, then they are implying that yes, hatchlings are more attracted to and prefer meat and other live prey more, but it does not mean you need to fill them up with protein and stuff. It simply means that they will reject vegetables more often, and instead, should be fed a good supply of pellets as compared to adult turtles, which should be fed equal amounts or more vegetables as compared to pellets.
And yes, they are still classified as hatchlings. After their first year, then they are referred to as yearlings (though the term is not as common), and afterwards, either adults or just normal turtles (correct me if I'm wrong).
Hey hey hey.
