My Turtle named Smokey

[LiLMB]

I'm new here, and the reason i signed up is because i need guidance with my baby turtle. i have no idea about turtles. my friend came from new york and she got me a turtle. i didn't want to say no because its a gift but i also didnt know anything about turtles. i wanna care for the turtle but i need advices in doing so. its always trying to climb out. i worried itll die because it doesnt eat the pellets i give him. how do you know if its a boy or girl? what other food does it eat? help??

 

[DOLORES]

hey!! to the forum, its good to have you here! theres a forum about turtles in here , i would help u but i got no idea on turtles.... probably some of the modes will move this topic to the other forum, mean while go to that forum and ask the questions http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?showforum=30

theres the forum a little shortcut hope u do good with the turtle! good luck!

 

[J_acon]

 

[treefrog]

Welcome, hope that you can find some help here.

 

[Teelie]

First, and most importantly, always, always, always wash your hands after handling the turtle or touching the water. They can carry Salmonella and you don't want to get that.

Second is they need land to sit on, or a log, anything above the water line. While it might be an aquatic turtle (Terrapin) it still needs land to come onto. If it's not, then some of this won't apply.

Third is they do need clean, dechlorinated water with filtration. They aren't fish but they still need some of the same requirements.

Fourth is they will escape their tank or terrarium if possible so make sure to have a secure lid or the water level lower than 3 quarters of the height.

Finally, feed them a mix of foods, some vegetable matter, the turtle sticks and occasionally live food.

A 10 gallon will do fine for a year or two but eventually they grow to something like 6 or 10 inches depending on the species though most likely it's a Red Eared Slider, Map or Box. I think they'll live fine at adult size in a 20 gallon long tank but not positive.

I am by no means an expert on them or kept them but I do know the basics.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

You'll eventually need a very big tank, my red ear slider has outgrown my 55 gallon. Do you know what kind of turtle it is? Whats the cage setup like now? how big is the tank and what are you feeding? As far as sexing, depending on the species, most females will have a flat stomach when they marure and males will develop somewhat of a dent on their undersides; not 100% though.

 

[Teelie]

The sexing sounds close though I've heard males also may have a "upended" tail end for their lower shell near the tail.

 

[cutechic]

Welcome to the forum, LiLMB! Good luck with the questions regarding your turtle

 

[Inchworm]

Hi LiLMB

Welcome to the forum!

You have the link to the Invertebrates and Amphibians forum. There are knowledgeable members there who will be happy to help you.