General Care Discussion :: Hatchling not liking cuttlebone?

[VanishingReality]

A week from today we will have had Crush for three months.

In the last few weeks we have gotten him to eat some veggies but he never took to the cuttlebone. He's even basked while we were in the house today. He just uses the bone to hide under when someone new comes over or to wedge between it and the glass when he does his "I like you now so give me food" dance.

We have tried to veggie clip a full one to the side, soak bits in fish juice and give it to him, just regular bits that float, and even tried a mineral block. He just doesn't care. It's the only thing he has yet to accomplish which is surprising because he eats anything we put in the tank now.

[octpusgirl8]

It took my turtle a long time to try the cuttlebone, but he chows down on it now. Just keep offering it. If you're worried about getting some calcium in him, dust a piece of food (cricket, veggie, fruit etc) with calcium powder before giving it to him every once in a while.

[TheComputerGremlin]

So I know it's a stretch, but they have those flavored cuttlebones in the bird section too. Maybe a little flavoring might help him out.

[Nettle]

Turnip greens are also rich in calcium.

[industrial_girl_2000]

My Sheba HATES cuttlebone....she always preferred eating those "water neutralizer" blocks that were shaped like a goldfish or a little treasure chest (and I swear she would eat the entire block in 2 days or less....what a PIG!!!!). So those are another option, just in case you are worried.

I agree with Nettle about turnip greens.

Keep in mind that the "baby Reptomin" pellets have added calcium as well so you can feed your turt those too.

[VanishingReality]

Oh he is on baby reptomin, he gets four of those daily.

Water neutralizer blocks?....

Today we went on a veggie explosion and ate almost all of the leaves we have in the tank. Then we had the joy of scooping out stuff a half an hour later...

We did add some calcium dust to his sweet potato yesterday and he ate it all up, man does he love those things.

[marisa]

It can take a while for hatchlings to figure out cuttlebone is for eating. Try to make the pieces small and thin, so if your turtle happens to bite a piece it will break up easily. Calcium dust (as in supplement) is good, what brand are you using? Try some tender dandelion leaves (if from your lawn, make sure no pesticides are being used)---they have a good calcium/phosphorus ratio.

[VanishingReality]

It can take a while for hatchlings to figure out cuttlebone is for eating. Try to make the pieces small and thin, so if your turtle happens to bite a piece it will break up easily. Calcium dust (as in supplement) is good, what brand are you using? Try some tender dandelion leaves (if from your lawn, make sure no pesticides are being used)---they have a good calcium/phosphorus ratio.

He tries to eat everything else you'd think he would get it by now. It is a nice perch for him though. We don't have any in our lawn and tried to go to some stores around here for them but they don't seem to carry them.

We are using the Tetra reptocal.

Min Calcium: 27%
Max Calcium: 35%
Min. Phosphorous: 6%
Min. Potassium .03%

[industrial_girl_2000]

Oh he is on baby reptomin, he gets four of those daily.

Water neutralizer blocks?....

Today we went on a veggie explosion and ate almost all of the leaves we have in the tank. Then we had the joy of scooping out stuff a half an hour later...

We did add some calcium dust to his sweet potato yesterday and he ate it all up, man does he love those things.

Sounds good! Yes, "water neutralizer" blocks. They look like a big white piece of chalk in the shape of a goldfish & are available at any pet store for about $1-$1.50 a piece (sometimes cheaper). Look in the aisle for fish tanks at the pet store.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a good start with the baby reptomin & dark green leafies! I have also added powdered calcium to sweet potato too. I have also stuffed raspberries with it.

[marisa]

VanishingReality, the next time you're buying a calcium supplement, get one that's phosphorus free. RepCal is the one most often mentioned, but there are others (phosphorus is really abundant in their diets, and it's not necessary to add more).

[VanishingReality]

Sounds good! Yes, "water neutralizer" blocks. They look like a big white piece of chalk in the shape of a goldfish & are available at any pet store for about $1-$1.50 a piece (sometimes cheaper). Look in the aisle for fish tanks at the pet store.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a good start with the baby reptomin & dark green leafies! I have also added powdered calcium to sweet potato too. I have also stuffed raspberries with it.

Do you mean those feeder blocks for fish?

Today we are going to buy him a flavored bone.