Just bought 2 new baby softshells. Need help!

Posted by Tracie Andrews on July 12, 2002 at 19:32:33:

Hi. I just bought 2 baby softshelled FL turtles. I have a 20 ft tank for them. The pet store owner talked me into getting a 'critter cage' instead of a 20 gallon fish tank because she says turtles need length not depth. I have an area set aside for them to bask (with a UV basking lamp). I feed them turtle pellets once a day. The pet store clerk told me that i didn't need a heater because the lamp would keep the water warm. It seems a bit too cold (around 76). One turtle swims and is active. One sits on the island and gazes at the basking lamp all day long. He will get into the water for short periods of times, his shell looks fine, and eats ok. Is this normal? How do you tell if they are girls or boys? When I bought them in FL, the clerk said that it was too early to tell. Is there anything else I need to get them? I have only had dogs so I am inclined to buy them a chew toy and talk baby talk. Help!

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: Hi. I just bought 2 baby softshelled FL turtles. I have a 20 ft tank for them. The pet store owner talked me into getting a 'critter cage' instead of a 20 gallon fish tank because she says turtles need length not depth. I have an area set aside for them to bask (with a UV basking lamp). I feed them turtle pellets once a day. The pet store clerk told me that i didn't need a heater because the lamp would keep the water warm. It seems a bit too cold (around 76). One turtle swims and is active. One sits on the island and gazes at the basking lamp all day long. He will get into the water for short periods of times, his shell looks fine, and eats ok. Is this normal? How do you tell if they are girls or boys? When I bought them in FL, the clerk said that it was too early to tell. Is there anything else I need to get them? I have only had dogs so I am inclined to buy them a chew toy and talk baby talk. Help!

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