Feeding and Nutrition :: How often should they be fed?

[DanM]

Hello.

I was wondering how often I should be feeding my RES? I have two hatchlings. A boy (Roderick) and a girl (Frank; yeah, named before I knew it was a chick).

I put them outside to bask in the sun in a 15" x 8" Rubbermaid tub, and put food in for approx. 1-2 hours at that time, after which I change the water and put them back out. Then, at night (approx. 7-8 hours later) I put them in seperate bowls with food for approx. 1 hour, then into their tank again.

Unfortunately for a week I was giving them beef, (on someone's suggestion... urgghhh) lettuce, and pellets, but now am giving them lettuce, boiled egg whites, and pellets.

So is two times a day enough, too much, or is it ok?

They eat fine. They're skiddish (probably from being moved around for feeding and due to being in a new place, I reckon) though, and tend to hide in corners and under any rock overhangs they can find.


Thank you.

[Tenodera]

Once a day is ok.

[WyredHardware]

how big are your turtles.
They should be fed the amount of pellets that would equal the size of their head if it was hollow. (Not including neck)

[DanM]

Hatchings, about 2 inches down the shell.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Feed your turtle pellets everyday, once a day, only as much as would fit inside it's head if it were hollow. When the turtle reaches 4 inches, feed every other day, or 2 times a week.

Offer veggies everyday, no matter how big or small the turtle is. Try 'red leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, raddichio, endives, basil..and be sure to include aquatic plants every now and then too, anacharis and hornwort is what I use the most with my turtles. Read the feeding list on the main site for more food suggestions.

Once every two weeks offer something like feeder fish (one fish for each turtle is fine) or crickets, earthworms, snails, etc. You can supplement with a vitamin supplement like reptivite or repcal once a week too, if you would like.

By the way, welcome!

[steve]

Here is some pellet feeding information: www.redearslider.com/pellets.html

Do not just put them in a tub out in the sun! They need shade and room to roam around and hide. And do not put water in there, unless you monitor the water temperatures.

Some more info!
www.redearslider.com/hatchling_tips.html
www.redearslider.com/startup.html

.. and you won't be able to tell the sex until their shells are about 4" long

[DanM]

Thanks all. It's appreciated.

Yeah they have a place to go, I built a "roof" over part of the tub. It has a drain on it, so every hour or so I drain the water and put new in, about 75F. Lately it's only been about a high 80 degrees outside here anyways luckily.