Sad Yellow eared turtles?

Question
Hello,
I have recently purchased a yellow eared turtle. Since then (about 1 week ago), I have noticed that it is much less active than it was in the shop. It stays still for long periods of time, hardly ever swims unless fed and basically seems to be quite sad. After consultation with the petshop owner I have decided to buy him a friend - another turtle of the same species which is about the same size, it does seem a bit happier but still inclines to inactivity. I really don't know what to do, I don't want them to be sad... What are the major and minor guidelines for holding these turtles? Is it that my fish tank is too small? The lighting too close? Please help me out, any advice will be taken happily...

David

Answer
Turtles want three main things to be happy, and company is not really one of them.

1. Good water. This means water that is warm (75-80F), very clean, and big. Aim for 10 gallons of water for every inch of turtle shell length. If your turtle is about 4" long, it would take about 40 gallons of water, or a 50 gallon tank mostly filled. Think big when planning the habitat.

2. Good sun. Build a good basking site that is accessible and not harmful to the turtle. Warm it to about 90F, and light the basking site and tank well. To best simulate sunlight and all of its benefits, add a UVB specialty bulb.

3. Good food. Try about 1/2 good pellets, and 1/2 live or frozen/thawed fish foods, like small fish, shrimp, worms, insects, krill, beef heart, etc.

For more, try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com

Good luck!