Red-eared sliders algae and feeding question!?

I just got two red-eared sliders about a week and a half ago from a friend of mine's mom. They have algae growing on their shells (had this when I got them), which I have found out from reading on here is pretty normal, but do I need to wash it off, and if so what is the best way to do that?





Also, what are they supposed to eat? they are about a year old, but are tiny turtles. My friend's mom gave me a can of reptile food pellets, but it seems like they should be eating more than that. What else can they eat, and how much should they eat? Also, how often should I feed them? thanks!

Red-eared sliders algae and feeding question!?
you should get a soft tooth brush to brush it off. this would also prevent the water from growing algae and also prevent this the turtle from disease.RES they eat pellets, vegetable, fruits and animal protein. personally i feed my turtle every other day, with different food. i would feed them one day with pellets, one day vegetable, one day fruits... if they don't like the food you give them , then give then pellets. i would feed about 5 to 7 pellets a day. and for all the food, after giving them after an hr ,you should remove the,. i also find it easier if you feed them outside the tank so they don't mess up the water. this website would tell you what kind of vegetable, fruits and animal protein to feed http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...


my turtle really like the grapes, bananas, cherry and any green leafs


anyway good luck with it!
Reply:well have some experience with these situations.





for the algae:


you should get the sink running with luke warm water and put the turtle under it. and just kinda rub off the algae. make sure the water is not hot! you want it a little warmer than cold.


and so it doesnt come back make sure the turtles have a rock or a floating dock in their tank to get on top of to get out of the water and bask in the sun with UVB lightbulb as their "sunlight". its a substitute for sunlight since their are inside. im assuming haha.





okay so i have a large couple year old turtle and a very tiny turtle that i do not how old it is but im guessing its around your turtles age.


it doesnt really like the pellets. so i feed him worms everyday. about 1 or 2. the more you feed them the faster they grow. so i raise their food little by little. at first i would give him 1 small worm. then i worked up to 1 long worm. then 1 long and 1 small. and now hes to about 2 long or even 3. haha. and feed them daily. once it gets to where you feeding them alot i would move to 2 small meals a day.


oh and you can also dump some guppies in their tank and let your turtles eat them when they want. get small ones so their able to eat them





when turtles get older like a couple years old they start eating more of the pellets and veggies. and you should leave lettuce in their for them to graze on.





sorry for my answerr being so long. but i hope it was helpful.


;)
Reply:Algae isn't really a problem unless it bothers you, and in that case a nice scrub with a toothbrush should take care or it.





For feeding, youre right, they should be eating more than just pellets. Turtles will accept greens, but at only a year your sliders are still in need of a high protien diet. They should be big enough for feeder fish which will give them excercise, entertainment and good nutrition. Then theres meal worms, earth worms, crickets and other similar insects. They arent really picky. Just dont fall into the dog food trap or feed them only pellets... mine rarely ever get pellets and dont seem to care for them.





How often should you feed them? At roughly a year they dont need constant attention anymore. Theyre glutons and will keep eating as long as youre giving them food. Theyll probably even start begging at the front of the tank when you enter the room. Just give them small ammounts of food periodically, every day or every other day. They dont need a strict schedule. Just watch the area where the legs come out of the shell - if fat is spilling out then youre feeding too much. Im not worried about you feeding too little because when those little guys are scratching at the glass for food its hard to resist.





Well I hope that helped and enjoy your new pets, they can be a lot of fun to have.
Reply:use a soft bristled tooth brush to wash the algae off. It may not all come off though.





They can eat the pellets, but also will eat bugs, worms. leafy greens floating in the water. I would feed them a couple times a day and try to leave some greens in the water at all times. Some will eat them and some will not.





Also, make sure you have a UV light for them as well as a basking light.



makeup tips