General Care Discussion :: Curtis 4"

[Rexamus]

Curtis is now 4" long and I think he is a she; however, the name will remain the same. I've been a little preoccupied with a new rescue puppy I'm fostering but was concerned about Curtis' shell development. I've taken a few photos for anyones input. Please feel free to advise. His main staple is still Reptomins but everyday he gets green leafy lettuce and either shredded squash or zucchini and a side of apple or bananas. Some days he eats all and other days he eats none. Occassionally he gets a treat of crickets with gut loaded calcium. Any suggestions as to what I should try "food wise"? Thanks all for your help!

[Daniel3507]

it looks like he is pyramiding a little. how much reptomin do you give?

[Rexamus]

I would say probably about 10 or so...

[Daniel3507]

feed the amount that would fit into the head if it were allow. also i would cut down on the fruit. probably give fruit once a month. you could give some Anacharis. my guy loves it. cuttlebone is good too.

[Rexamus]

do you think aquatic plants would alliviate the pyramiding or more protein. I've given him cuttlebone in the past and he's done nothing with it. That is why I prefer now to give him the crickets with calcium gut load.

[Daniel3507]

the only way to stop pyramiding is to reduce the protein in the diet. the aquatic plants would just be good for variety in the diet.

[megcornell]

The main cause of pyramiding is too much protein in the diet. Cut back on the pellets and only offer the crickets rarely (like once a month). At her size, she should get a headful of pellets once every other day. Some people prefer to offer one half a headful every day... whichever you prefer. Make sure to offer a variety of veggies, leafy greens and aquatic plants are usually popular.
As for the cuttlebone, I find my turtles aren't always interested, they seem to know when they need the extra calcium and eat it then. Just leave the cuttlebone in the tank and she'll eat it when she's ready. You can also dust the pellets with a calcium supplement.

[Rexamus]

The cricket feed has a 5% calcium rate. Is there something else out there on the market that has a higher calcium rate that I could dust the pellets with?

[Daniel3507]

you could crush cutttlebone and dust with that.

[Rexamus]

So if Curtis is getting too much protein I should increase carbs and calcium???? More plants and veggies and less reptomin?

[SpotsMama]

Yes, only half a headfull of pellets per day plus lots of green leafy things (red and green leaf lettuce, romaine, collard greens, fresh basil - but not spinach) and a couple of servings a week of other veggies (tomato, bell pepper, string bean, steamed sweet potato, etc.) plus occasional fruit (blueberry, strawberry, apple peel, etc). Cuttlebone is very good.

To help Curtis shed scutes, be especially sure that her diet includes vitamin e containing foods:

Tomato
Sweet potato
Turnip greens
Blueberries
Apple skin

Most turtles are especially crazy about steamed sweet potato. Beta carotene containing foods (like sweet potato and carrot) will brighten her colors.