But now he's getting to that age where he's going to have to eat some vegetables!
We currently feed Squirt a mix of pellets and krill, and are trying to make that gradual transition to a more balanced diet with more vegetables. As I would expect, Squirt spits out (or doesn't even consider eating) any food we've tried to feed him. Basically, if it doesn't have protein, Squirt doesn't want it. We've tried giving Squirt tiny tiny pieces of lettuce, carrots, and cantaloupe, along with the krill and pellets he loves to eat. (we try mixing). In addition, we've begun to leave dandelion leaves from our backyard in the tank (washed). There were a few bite marks in the leaf yesterday, but that's it. Squirt always goes crazy when he sees our face through the tank because he's hungry, and he wants MEAT! All he eats is the protein-high stuff, and he leaves out all the vegetables. Then, he begs for more.
If it means anything, we recently took Squirt to the vet for an RI (he is still recovering) and a vitamin A deficiency. When he got back from the hospital, we fed him anything he wanted because he hadn't eaten in a while (so we were happy if he ate ANYTHING). This was for the past two days. Hopefully he isn't getting used to eating protein, protein, protein. I know that, if I continue to give him more protein than healthy greens, he will get used to it and expect that for all his meals!
I know for a fact that I do not overfeed Squirt. I usually feed a bit less than the amount that would fit in his head. At the same time, however, I also think I am underfeeding Squirt because part of what I give him is veggies; which he doesn't eat. As a turtle 'parent', I don't want Squirt to starve, so I have to end up giving Squirt more protein foods so he doesn't feel hungry. I'm concerned because I think we're on that road to giving him too much protein. I don't want his shell to pyramid or his organs to fail!
All Squirt wants is krill/pellets and I feel like there is nothing I can do. Overall, I don't want to make Squirt hungry by making him eat veggies; but at the same time, I don't want to give him too much protein! Any advice?
I've read the articles on this website considering methods to entice eating and fresh greens that are turtle-friendly. I also understand that smaller turtles may refuse to eat veggies at an early age.
However, Squirt has a vitamin deficiency and I already feel we are a bit late on that transition to healthier greens. Thanks and long live your turtle!
-Lauren
