Hi!

My boyfriend recently got two red eared slider turtles that are about 8 inches long. I am afraid that he is feeding them way too much but I don't know how much they need and descriptions are usually kind of vague. Could anyone give me an estimate in say, tablespoons or cups per day??
He is feeding a commercially prepared pellet right now, but he does occasionally give them veggies, I know the diet is not perfect, but one battle at a time!!

Thanks!

lady IROC

It's really hard to give you an exact amount which is why few people will give you that. How much the turtle eats depends on many things such as size, age, sex, temperature, health, whether or not carrying eggs (female reptiles often fast when eggs are developing), and how they're kept. A large 8" RES probably is going to eat a fare amount of food if the temperature is above 70-75 degrees F. Because I've not kept turtles myself except for a few times for short periods, I can only guess on the amount of food. If fed just commercial pellets, then one 8" RES might eat (just a total guess!) a quarter cup every day or two. I really don't know though! Sorry that I can't really answer your question but maybe someone out there who has an RES can tell us how much their turtle is eating. My site lists other foods you should also consider. Good luck!