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Learn how to care for terrestrial turtles, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to setup your reptiles terrarium to ensure your reptile lives a wholesome & happy life. Shop at your local Petco for all reptile terrarium needs.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Learn how to care for a monitor lizard, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for tropical lizards, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for Freshwater Amphibians, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Hello. This is a common Red Eared Slider & there is a ton of information available online, in books & at pet stores on the proper care of these turtles. Please inform yourself the best you can to give this little guy the best chance possible to have a long life. They can make very good pets. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out about Sebastian and including pictures. Points of interest to investigate would be: (1) heat support in the water, (2) nutrition, and (3) water quality. If the water temperature gets too low, turtles will slow and stop eating (acting as if hibernating). The water quality needs to be kept clean to decrease bacterial and algal overgrowth. Regarding nutrition, the package of pellets needs to be changed every 3-4 months as vitamins degrade quickly. Offering diced vegetables and whole fish (goldfish, tetras) can provide exercise and nutrition. If Sebastian remains quiet and lethargic, a visit to a reptilian veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Feeding soft shelled turtles is not difficult, adults are carnivorous and feed on a wide range of fish, mollusks, insects, amphibians and even carrion in the wild. If it swims or crawls, an animal is at risk for a soft-shelled turtle’s lay-and-wait hunting strategy. These turtles are not picky. Feeder minnows and goldfish, earthworms and night crawlers, waxworms, crickets and even frozen-thawed (size appropriate) rodents can be offered to pet soft-shelled turtles.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Unfortunately, the "tumor" cannot be appreciated in the images provided. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Also, decrease the amount of pellets being fed. Remove any uneaten food once the turtle stops eating. Offer a balanced diet consisting of protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh greens and vegetables and a small amount of commercial pellets. Provide vitamin and mineral supplementation as well as adequate UVB lighting.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Sly's shell does not look bad. The ridge you see is normal. True pyramiding is rare in turtles, that's not saying it doesn't happen. When it does, it is usually a result of poor diet and environment. Pyramiding is much more common in tortoises. YBSs are omnivores. They should be fed mostly greens and vegetables with a small amount of protein in the form of prey such as feeder fish, crickets and earthworms. A commercial pelleted diet supplemented with greens and prey is recommended. Calcium and multivitamin supplements, usually powders sprinkled on food, are necessary. UVB lighting is also critical to shell health.
Updated on September 24th, 2025