Im also wondering what kind of worms to feed him and where to get them. I understand that he eats small worms I just don't know what kind.
Answers:
I strongly recommend you visiting http://www.turtleexchange.com/forum. for information on what to feed your turtle and I believe you do need a heat lamp. Alot depends on the temperature of where you are. But more than likely yes a heater is necessary. Basking lamps. All turtles need UVA/UVB bulbs to simulate the sun. There is a whole section dedicated to water turtles.
Buy it proper food from a pet store, dont experiment. And personally I think its cruel to paint turtles.
Can you not go to the pet store and ask for advice??
I am no expert but I had a pet snap turtle one time and he was fine with out a lamp. we bought pellets for him to eat from the pet store and let him out in the grass often so he could eat whatever he wanted.
Go to the pet store and buy a heated rock that goes right in the tank. The lamp is a bad idea. They will also be able to sell you turtle food with the best nutrients.
I've had a painted turtle once and he was fine with out lamp. As for food the best place to go is the pet store b/c if you feed him the wrong stuff he may die.
Common earth worms will do just fine just make sure you dip them in hot water and buy them if your lawn has pesticides
as for the heat lamp if he's outside and its cold yes, otherwise no,
If hes in side a common aquarium light is good but turn it off at night because algae will grow on his back and isn't good.
Use it all night if it is cold.
Its also good because they like to sun themselves.
But a light isnts necessary for their survival, sun is okay
As they get older they will start to eat veggies and food pellets.
Ive had mine for 6 years now and i got him as a baby
Be aware that baby turtles are not super easy pets.
Heating: The water should be heated to about 75-80- but have some cooler spots and be allowed to cool off a little at night. The basking sites should be heated to about 90- and along with sheer heat, need to offer some ultra-violet light as well, especially UV-B. UV light does not pass through most glass.
Diet: The BEST option is a high-quality turtle pellet food. Some companies offer a special size and formula for babies. As you learn about your pet you can supplement this with things like bloodworms and other small things.
About the best site for pond turtle care I know about is the one below. While it is designed for Red-ear sliders, the advice works for most American pond turtles.
I have 3 red eared sliders and also 2 yellow cooters i keep them in a pond in my kitchen as they are really fun to watch. i feed mine shrimp but mine are aquatic.one thing to keep in mind is they usually are wild and they eat certain things that are in their invironment such as berries or insects.I do keep a heat lamp on at all times and this is why..Turtles NEED to use the sun to warm up . They are cold blooded, meaning their bodies take on the temperature of their environment. In order to move well, and even to digest their food, turtles must first warm up. The sun also keeps the turtle free of parasites and helps it make vitamin D.hope this helps!
Yes you do need a lamp since all reptiles are cold blooded. His cage should stay around 90 degrees during the day and put a night lamp on him at night to maintain a temp of at least 80. Painted turtles love meal worms go to your local pet store and they should have these available in different sizes.
Why do people even have pet reptiles? I mean . . . isn't it true most people with pet snakes, lizards, or other reptiles are just feaks looking for attention or trying to be cool. The reality is they are just dorks. I mean. . . . do you cuddle up with your turtle. . . or take him for a walk. . . or play fetch with him? NO. . . they just sit there and if you get anywhere near them they will bite your balls off! It's kind of like people who have fish in a tiny bowl or birds in a cage. . . what is the freeking use? It's cruel to the animals.
you need to get a heat lamp so they can get proper vitamins and you can go to a pet store and get the worms.
earthworms, dig them up in the yard
also flies and bugs
