new diamondback
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Last week i obtained a concentric female diamondback terrapin at a local reptile show.. she appears to be very healthy and i spoke to the breeder in depth before purchasing her. Although this is my first diamondback, I am confident that I have researched enough to care for her along with my other 5 aquatic turtles. I was just wondering how long I should expect it to take her to begin eating and basking. I am beginning to get worried because it has been a few days and she hasn’t been moving much and hasn’t shown any interest in food or basking. She is in a 40 gallon tank with the approprate lighting and filtration. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated..Thanks
Hey there, If you have taken good care of 5 other aquatic turtles over the years, you will have no problem taking good care of this DBT. All the basic care that you have given your other turtles will apply to the DB as well. I would say that the DB’s need a little better filtration/cleaner water than say a RES, and if your DB is wild caught (rather than captive bred), you will probably end up having to add salt to her water eventually. How old is your new little friend? When I got my hatchling at 3 1/2 weeks of age, she started eating the day that I got her and has never stopped (she is a huge little pig)!!! I wouldn’t be alarmed though, just cause yours hasn’t started eating yet. He/she may need a little time to adjust to the new tank………every turtle is different. What have you tried to feed her so far? DB’s are carnivores, so I would try some freeze dried shrimp or krill and break them up a little bit if your DB is really small. Also, did the breeder tell you what he or she was already feeding your turtle and if she had a healthy appetite? Good luck, Jimbo
I have had the same experience as you a few months ago when I got a new DB– She was as first ( and this was also after traveling overnight in a box) very hesitant to eat or bask I think mabey just due to stress and change- but give your new guy a few days at least to settle down– and like jimbo said mabey try some “good” stuff like dried krill- my guys LOVE that stuff- and make sure also ( as Im sure you know_) but.. that the water is warm enough ( 75-78 ishhh… Degrees) Best of luck to you!!! –Heather
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