feeding

Question
QUESTION: I have a red eared slider and i'm well aware that u aren't a professional with RES but i've research and i just can seem to find a decent answer..how do i know how much to feed my turtle!?

I estimate my turtle is about a year and half old (i adopted it)

i have a basic set up..a 10 gallon tank a filter  a floating dock and a basking light.

I normally feed my turtle 5 baby pellets in the morning and 3 at night (sometimes ill switch the night snack for 1 baby shrimp or 1 piece corn)


ANSWER: Hi Jenell,

RES will overeat if given the opportunity.  If your turtle is over about 3", feeding once a day is enough, and it wouldn't hurt to fast it once a week.  Once it's a little bigger, only feed every other day.

I would really consider getting your turtle into a bigger tank.  10 gallons is really too small for anything bigger than a hatchling.  You also need to provide some kind of UVB source in order for it to grow properly, as well as a more varied diet.  Pellets are fine, but they should also get a variety of animal and plant matter.  You can read more about care at www.redearslider.com.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: When i got my turtle  wasnt kept in good conditions..it was kept in a tiny plastic oval shaped bowl with about an inch of water and no type of filtration system  or basking/uvb light so her growth is pretty slow, she is 2 1/2 inches in width and 2 1/2 inches in length (From tip of shell to bottom)

Lately her growth has been noticeable  but i'm afraid its from over feeding (i've noticed she is shedding for the first time since i had her) what other types of food could i try?My turtle is very picky;  so far i've try apples lettuce potato corn  shrimp and banana and the only thing she likes is shrimp and corn

Answer
Hi Jenell,

You really need to get her on a better diet--it's probably why she isn't growing well.  If you need to, tough her out--turtles can go without eating for quite some time.  She won't starve herself, and eventually she'll start eating better food.  Try boiled chicken, boiled egg, fish, pellets, live foods such as worms, bloodworms, crickets, or mealworms, plus different greens such as turnip, dandelion, collards, kale, spring mix, etc.  I'd avoid fruit and starches such as corn or potatoes.  Younger RES are more carnivorous, so feed more meat but still offer greens.  Also put a cuttlebone in the tank so your turtle can self-regulate calcium intake.  It may take a while, but she'll start eating a better diet.