General Care Discussion :: Eating turtle dock

[sQuirtle]

Squirtle chews on his Zoomed turtle dock, is this normal? I don't know if he necessarily eats and digests it, but he definitely chews on it -- half the ramp is almost gone! I'm just wondering if this is dangerous. I'm assuming it isn't, because why would they make a turtle dock if turtles will chew on it right? Should I be worried and buy another kind of turtle dock?

[BullDog]

It can be dangerous if a piece gets stuck in his digestive system. Do you give him cuttlebone? Often a turtle chewing on his dock can be curbed by offering a piece of cuttlebone (with the backing removed). If that doesn't work, then you should probably consider a different type of dock.

[bigG]

My female RES used to always nibble on the turtle dock or the rock in the tank. Then, I found out about cuttlebone and will give a piece if she starts to nibble.

[worldpeace]

Try the cuttlebone.

He's probably just bored and found something entertaining to do. Or maybe he just wants a new dock and he's giving you a hint

[jonreif]

squirtle - this is caused by stress.... let me explain

I have 1 large female that anytime I move her from her tank for any long amount of time she chews bits off the zoo med dock, they dont tend to swollow and you likley found bits on the bottom as I do, when the stress is gone she quits chewing at the dock

hope this helps