Overcrowding and lack of proper food are two mistakes made most often by people who try to keep tadpoles. One half to one dozen is more than enough to try to keep. Put them in a shallow pan, with 1 to 3 inches of water in it. The larger the tadpoles, the deeper the water should be. Insert an air stone to keep the water in motion. No rocks or gravel are needed, but some live aquatic plants can be put in with them. KEEP THEM CLEAN. Never allow the water to stand dirty for more than a few hours. Be sure that the clean water is free from chlorine.
To feed your tadpoles, it is essential to give them a variety, and to furnish them with both plant and animal foods. Their staple diet could be boiled lettuce, rabbit chow, and cooked liver. Give them small amounts of food at one time. You can feed them 3 or 4 times a day. When you see the water is becoming dirty—change it. You may want to try and feed them a tropical fish food called “molly flake food”; or you might try some hard boiled egg. Keep the water temperature at 70 to 72°F.
Once the tadpoles begin to lose their tails, grow front legs, and take in air at the surface, they are beginning to turn into a toad or frog. At this stage, they should not be disturbed. When they no longer have any tail, and stay out of the water, they can be fed a variety of small insects, or small pieces of earthworms.
T.R.J.
TURTLES AND TORTOISES
(order Chelonia)
Overview:
Large numbers of hatchling and adult turtles are sold or traded each year in the United States. Unfortunately, from the point of view of the turtles themselves, the majority of them are condemned to death by unintentional maltreatment and few manage to survive a year. The species most often abused is the red-eared slider, Chrysemys scripta elegans. Next most common are the map turtles, Graptemy, and third in abundance are the painted turtles, Chrysemys picta. All are water turtles and require much the same care in captivity. Since the red-eared slider is the most common of all, the general account that follows is based upon the slider group of turtles. This is the largest group of native turtles, including some 16 different kinds. All live in ponds and lakes, and may be given about the same care in captivity. Comparisons with other groups follow the general account, save the tortoises, or dry land turtles, which will be discussed in more detail after the aquatic turtle account.
Aquatic Species:
Description and diet: Water turtles, such as the red-eared slider, vary in color and usually have webbed feet for swimming. These turtles are generally carnivorous (meat eaters), and their primary diet consists of chopped raw beef, horsemeat, fish, worms, and also aquatic greens. Some water turtles will eat bits of green leafy vegetables, such as fresh greens, lettuce, endive, and spinach. All turtles are different, however, and a variety of foods should be offered to determine their likes and dislikes. Food supplements should also be used. Some of these are: cod liver oil, liquid multiple vitamins, and powdered calcium or bone meal. These may be added directly to their food.