Dwarf turtle

[Thomas Nott]

I have several turtles which I I acquired as hatchlings, they are healthy and growing just fine. However my red ear slider has barely grown at all, it's only slightly larger than its original quarter sized hatchling phase.
It's eating, healthy, awesome shell,bright and energetic,and gets along just fine with its pond mates. I know all about the failure to thrive syndrome but this doesn't seem to be the case here. Is their such a thing as a dwarf turtle?

 

[Pastel Tortie]

Good question... @mark1 @Markw84

I have three-striped mud turtles, which don't get all that big to begin with... However, when I was researching this species, I ran across mention of a dwarf individual who was in perfect health but topped out at 2 inches. They normally grow to 3-4 inches, occasionally 5 or so.

 

[Tom]

I have several turtles which I I acquired as hatchlings, they are healthy and growing just fine. However my red ear slider has barely grown at all, it's only slightly larger than its original quarter sized hatchling phase.
It's eating, healthy, awesome shell,bright and energetic,and gets along just fine with its pond mates. I know all about the failure to thrive syndrome but this doesn't seem to be the case here. Is their such a thing as a dwarf turtle?

There is no "dwarf" RES. Something is wrong somewhere. If the food and husbandry is all correct, there could be some sort of congenital defect.

 

[TammyJ]

Can we see some pictures of all of them and the setup?

 

[Pastel Tortie]

I agree with @Tom that, barring nutrition or husbandry issues, dwarfism in a turtle would probably be from a congenital defect. That sounds worse than it is, IF that is indeed the case.

I also second the request from @TammyJ for pictures of your turtle, set-up, etc. If there's anything unusual about the appearance of the turtle, we have some REALLY good experts on the TFO who can weigh in and troubleshoot. Quite a few members (including me) are likely to find it interesting.

Let's also make sure we have a correct identification of the turtle... Just in case.

 

[Thomas Nott]

Ok, so here is my pond and pics of the little guy

 

[Thomas Nott]

Any additional feedback is appreciated, thanks.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

How long have you had him? If he started out quarter-sized, he's at least grown some What size is he now? From the picture, I'm guessing 2 inches or a little more.

Do all of the hatchlings live together? I really like your turtle pool, by the way. I'm wondering... Could there be any bullying going on? Any competition for food, basking areas, hiding places?

What are the other turtles? Did they all start out the same size? How big are they now?

 

[Toddrickfl1]

Looks like he's got good growth seams, maybe just a slow grower. How long have you had it?

 

[TammyJ]

He looks good to me but who am I? Since they were all hatchlings when you got them, can we see them together in one picture for comparison? Also, what species are the others?

 

[Jonathon1988]

He looks good to me but who am I? Since they were all hatchlings when you got them, can we see them together in one picture for comparison? Also, what species are the others?

Red eared slider?

 

[TammyJ]

Red eared slider?

Jonathon, we know the "dwarf" is a red eared slider, we would like to know what the others are, and get some pictures....

 

[Pastel Tortie]

Forgive us, @Thomas Nott, but you have us curious... We want to hear more about your RES "dwarf" and your other turtles.

If you're willing to share more, you definitely have an audience!

 

[TammyJ]

Thomas Nott, it says you are a new member, but your join date is July 2015. I am asking an administrator to explain this, as I notice it in quite a few instances with other members too.
Eagerly awaiting the pictures of your turtles, Thomas. Love your pond.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

Thomas Nott, it says you are a new member, but your join date is July 2015. I am asking an administrator to explain this, as I notice it in quite a few instances with other members too.
Eagerly awaiting the pictures of your turtles, Thomas. Love your pond.

@TammyJ I think the "new member" status is based on the number of posts the member has made, not the length of time they've been a member.

 

[TammyJ]

@TammyJ I think the "new member" status is based on the number of posts the member has made, not the length of time they've been a member.

Ah!!! I see. Thank you!