Feeding and Nutrition :: Just acquired a pig (turtle)

[RunninWideOpen]

I just got a new turt who had been given WAY to many pellets (we've named him Squirt). There were about 20 pellets in the tank when i went to pick him up. I don't think he's been getting any veggies. He's quite chubby, particularly in the head. He's 5.5" across.

Should I just give him veggies for awhile to get him caught up on his vitamins or should I start giving him the proper variety of veggies and pellets right away?

[Starchick]

My new turtle has the same problem...the vet recommended giving the proper diet and just allowing way more exercise. Is he in a big enough tank (10 gallons per inch of turtle)? My turt's been in a 10 gallon his whole life and hasn't been able to swim for exercise.

[RunninWideOpen]

No, right now he's only in a 20 gallon tank. It's the only other tank I have. I wanted to keep him seperate from Crush for awhile until I make sure he's in good health and done shedding. His skin is shedding quite excessively right now and his shell looks like it's getting ready to shed also. His shell was really dirty and gunky. I scrubbed him down real good with a toothbrush and luckily it doesn't look like there's any fungus or anything going on. Other than being obese he seems healthy.

So, all that to say....not he's not in a big enough tank quite yet. Would it maybe be better to put Crush in the smaller tank and Squirt in the big tank for now? Crush is actually a little bigger than squirt.

[megcornell]

I wouldn't switch the two turtles. If it turns out the newbie is sick then you've contaminated both tanks
Also, how large is the tank you're putting them into together eventually? If Crush has lived alone all his life this will be a big adjustment so you'll want to make sure yo uhave more than enough tank space.

[RunninWideOpen]

Good point, don't want to contaminate both tanks. How long should I wait before combining them if Squirt continues to look healthy and no problems arise? I just got home from buying Hibiclense. I'm gonna give Squirt a little cleaning soon just to make sure there's nothing on his shell.

The big tank is 60 gal. Crush has only been living on his own about a month. I bought him from a pet store about a month ago and they had him in a smaller tank (probably a 45 gallon) with 3 other turts.

I am also wondering how well turts share a basking platform? The one I have is definitely big enough for both of them, but will they share nice?