New Yellow Bellied Sliders

[newbietoreptiles]

Hi All
We are new to having reptiles of any kind....my son asked for a terrapin for his birthday...we have looked into it but there are just 2 questions I cant find the answer to and would love it if someone could help

1) I know you should handle them often from being young (these are tiny....the size of a 50p piece) but how long should they be handled for each time

2) Can you keep other fish in with them I was planning on buying 2 'Flex' (I think thats what they are called....the ones that will eat all the algea....that look like the are sucking the floor lol) but will the terrapins eat these???

Thanks in advance for your help
H

 

[TheShrimpGirl]

Firstly, skip the fish. Terrapins as babies need about 2-3" of water as hatchlings and as adults need only about 6-10" of water. Not enough for a fish, though the turtles won't eat them if they are larger fish.

I think the fish you mean is a Plecostomus some call them (Plecs) with a long A sound. They do eat algae, but get absolutely huge and aren't suitable for this type of tank.

A filter is your best option for algae control and for keeping down the smell.

As for the handling...

It is best to keep handling to a minimum when they are young. You can place them in a small container and play with them, like giving them treats and stroking their shells a little bit, but when they are small they are delicate and easily stressed.

It is best not to hold turtle for long periods of time, since they don't really like it much.

 

[newbietoreptiles]

Aha Plecs...thems the ones!!!!! lol ....we have a massive filter...its the elite stingray...and there has to be enough water in the tank to completely cover the filter so the tank is half full / oh right....I was told to handle them at least once a week so they get used to being handled and if any treatment is needed its easier cos they are used to being held /
what's the best treat to give them
I have also been told that they need plenty of vitamin A so any suggestions would be much appreciated )))
Thankyou xxx

Firstly, skip the fish. Terrapins as babies need about 2-3" of water as hatchlings and as adults need only about 6-10" of water. Not enough for a fish, though the turtles won't eat them if they are larger fish.

I think the fish you mean is a Plecostomus some call them (Plecs) with a long A sound. They do eat algae, but get absolutely huge and aren't suitable for this type of tank.

A filter is your best option for algae control and for keeping down the smell.

As for the handling...

It is best to keep handling to a minimum when they are young. You can place them in a small container and play with them, like giving them treats and stroking their shells a little bit, but when they are small they are delicate and easily stressed.

It is best not to hold turtle for long periods of time, since they don't really like it much.