turtles and vitamins

[mozz]

hi i bought my first turtle yesterday, a map and i am puzzled as to how i can ensure he will get enought calcium and vitamins, if i put them on his food it will wash off, there has to be a logical answer i am clearly missing. Also is it usual for maps to spend all their time in the water, mine will not come out to bask. (may be he is unsettled as hes new ) any advise will be great, Julie

[Graham]

Feed a good balanced diet based on good quality pellets, varied with fresh lean meat and fish, freshwater shrimp and other crustaceans, pond snails etc..., plants such as Duckweed, Watercress, various pond plants, and your turt will get all the vits and minerals it requires without the need for supplements.

Also make sure you have an adequate UVB lamp and a heat source.