Assessing body condition in African helmeted turtle

[wendigo]

We’ve had Lazarus for 6 weeks now and have been feeding once or twice a day, until he/she is less enthusiastic. He gets tilapia, shrimp, earthworms and crickets. He is not a fan of pellets. How do I tell if he’s getting too much? Here’s his weights:
4/23/23 172 g
5/20/23 190 g
6/4/23 201 g

I took pics of him today, not sure what to look for. Also, he still look female?

 

[TammyJ]

He is really cute. He is a sideneck turtle?

 

[wendigo]

He is really cute. He is a sideneck turtle?

Yes, pet store said African sideneck and he was identified here as an African helmeted turtle, Pelomedusa subrufa. He has so much personality and takes food from your fingers (and sometimes your fingers too) like a little crocodile.

 

[cdmay]

Looks really healthy. Nice weigh but not overly fat.
I thought female on your original thread, but not sure now. Can be difficult from photos alone.
Regardless, Lazarus is a superb specimen!

 

[wendigo]

Looks really healthy. Nice weigh but not overly fat.
I thought female on your original thread, but not sure now. Can be difficult from photos alone.
Regardless, Lazarus is a superb specimen!

Thank you! I am noticing the days after he gets tilapia he's not as starving. I'll just keep feeding him as we are and see how he does. Appreciate your insights!