Evening star., 1949-04-28
This and That
By Charles E. TrnceaoeH
.'F' VIRGINIA PLACE,

Dear sir. r.
About four weeks ago two turtles from
Florida came to be members of our house
hold. I was advised to change the water
and feed them every other day. That was
all Very easyl =. r. a.. ar
However I soon noticed that they seemed
to have no use for the prepared turtle food
could not see that they ate anything, and
they seemed to have no interest in their sur
roundings. They slept great deal
"One day found lady bug and dropped
1t in the water. Immediately the more ag-
gressive turtle caught 1t and proceeded to
have feast. From then on I began feeding
them hies, spiders, meat and almost any
thing that suggested food.
They enjoyed eating and began begging
for attention IS soon as any one came near
One OF them Is aggressive. while the other
one is very quiet. The active one seems to
get ali the food while the other one is max
ing up his mind to eat. At first felt there
was food enough for both. then noticed
that the slow one had very soft shell.
He did not swim around. but spent
hours asleep out Of the water. 1t would
take some minutes to arouse him enough to
open his eyes.
THE last two days have tried to feed
him and have had some success as long as /
keep the other turtle away. He seems to
want to eat. but is very slow in his motions
and when he swallows. This morning, after
I fed him some beef. he seemed more active
and has stayed awake longer. am con-
cerned for his health. Can you help me to
give him better care?
IT am changing the water every day. as it
seems to get very dirty. I use water that is
drawn the day before.
Sincerely, Z. A. c."
* - &sk
Sunshine and dirt. the old standard pre-
scriptions, will do lot.
Turtles, or tortoises, are little things, ma
lures own. and in their natural habitat
would have plenty Of sunshine and dirt to
Both baths are essential.
In the home environment, space should
be provided for both. ..s
The creatures should be able to move into
sunshine and out again. rs they will
They must. Of course. have access to
shade. too.
They should have patch OF dry earth,
mixed with sand. into which they can snug
gle when they want to.
Our correspondent has discovered that the
turtle food" So-calIed, is almost worthless
Fl Live insects and hits Of meat. particularly
beef and liver, are the best foods contain
ing good proteins and 1ime to build up the
shell and what might be called the inner
turtle. too. They also give plenty Of vita
MINIS.
It might be y good thing to give these
creatures some Of the jelly out Of multi
vitamin capsule. II they win eat 1t.
Bits Of lettuce, parsley and spinach might
be tried.
The latter. spinach. should be boiled for
one minute. then completely cooled. after
which It may be offered.
Standard aquarium fishes. including the
ever popular guppy. go" for spinach treated
this way. It acts % q natural cleanser and
no doubt its minerals and vitamins help.
Since turtles are fed In water. II is Q good
thing to blot the food first On paper towel
or napkin to take on . much oil as possible
before offering TO the creatures.
Beef liver. given In tiny pieces. Is one Of
the best foods Liver not only gives them the
vitamins for which it Is now famous. but
essential amino acids good for any living
thing.
small worms make excellent food In the
case of one aggressive. one timid turtle. the
latter should be kept for time In separate
bowl, until 1t Is better able 70 meet the COM
petition of its companion. .
Above ali. cod liver Oh should he given. a
few drops every day. given with medicine
saropper, win help with soft shell.
Turtles are Interesting little things. Il =
surprising how much affection ons can vosk
- f0 thsua.