So I've had a tortoise for about 2 years...walked into the pet store to get some more sphagnum moss for her to hang out in, and noticed two turtles - one African Side Necked and one adult Mississippi Map together in the same enclosure, the side neck obviously the more dominant and biting at the poor scrawnier male map turtle.
I spoke with one of the employees, they didn't really seem to care when I suggested separation. Went back, wondering if I could do anything further (I don't like buying pets at pet stores, as I think it's just encouragement for them to get more and place them in poor habitats) and noticed the map turtle was free. So I took him home and...I know nothing about these guys.
I found a nice care sheet from the Turtle Room, as I've noticed from this forum that they know their stuff, so I'm not completely lost, I would just like a bit more detail for their care.
What kind of vegetables are recommended other than the bug diet of crickets and worms? Do you guys recommend anything else? I bought some blood worms after a quick phone search in the pet store, as I had to get back to work.
What kind of water quality does he need? I've been using tap water as I didn't exactly plan on bringing him home. Just dumped him in a large storage bin for now with an MVB and a basking rock. Water depth is about 5 inches, and he seems to like to stick to the bottom.
Anything recommended like a particular filter or water heater? I'm located in MA, pretty sure these guys brumate, but perhaps overwintering him would be best at this point.
Recommended size for enclosure? and the temperature range would be 70-80 for an adult, correct?
Thanks and sorry for the long post, I just want to give this guy the right care.
And yes, I did put a piece of lettuce on that rock. He hasn't eaten anything yet. He also has a weird circle on his head and some white stuff all over his legs that I can get a picture of later. He seems to be sleeping so I'm gong to leave him alone for tonight.
I spoke with one of the employees, they didn't really seem to care when I suggested separation. Went back, wondering if I could do anything further (I don't like buying pets at pet stores, as I think it's just encouragement for them to get more and place them in poor habitats) and noticed the map turtle was free. So I took him home and...I know nothing about these guys.
I found a nice care sheet from the Turtle Room, as I've noticed from this forum that they know their stuff, so I'm not completely lost, I would just like a bit more detail for their care.
What kind of vegetables are recommended other than the bug diet of crickets and worms? Do you guys recommend anything else? I bought some blood worms after a quick phone search in the pet store, as I had to get back to work.
What kind of water quality does he need? I've been using tap water as I didn't exactly plan on bringing him home. Just dumped him in a large storage bin for now with an MVB and a basking rock. Water depth is about 5 inches, and he seems to like to stick to the bottom.
Anything recommended like a particular filter or water heater? I'm located in MA, pretty sure these guys brumate, but perhaps overwintering him would be best at this point.
Recommended size for enclosure? and the temperature range would be 70-80 for an adult, correct?
Thanks and sorry for the long post, I just want to give this guy the right care.
And yes, I did put a piece of lettuce on that rock. He hasn't eaten anything yet. He also has a weird circle on his head and some white stuff all over his legs that I can get a picture of later. He seems to be sleeping so I'm gong to leave him alone for tonight.