General Care Discussion :: Styrofoam

[TNTurtles]

My mom opened a new bottle of food today and took the little styrofoam cover off the bottle and placed it on her lap. When she stood up it fell into the water. My dad found it about 2 hours later with a bunch of little bites in it. There wasn't too much taken off of it but enough to make me a little concerned. I figure I'll monitor their eating habits over the next couple days and make sure they are eating well. I can also check to see if anything comes out in their waster maybe. But, is there anything else i should be doing? Could this really hurt them?

[Kallistos]

How large are you turtles. Adult turtles shouldn't have a problem in passing small pieces of styrofoam. Define "little bites." I don't think styrofoam is toxic, (why would it be kept with the food then) although someone will have to confirm this for me. Was it the kind of styrofoam that doesnt expand, or the kind of styrofoam peanut material that look like it would expand...

[TNTurtles]

it was a new bottle of food and it was the safety fresh seal over top of the bottle. My turtles are around 4" and the bites were aroud the size of the mouth

[Thirzty Turtle]

i know that the turtle docks are styrofoam and supposedly they are alright if a turtle eats it i wouldnt worry

[flutterby]

Most turtle docks that I know of are made of plaster which has calcium in them and even that is NOT good for a turtle to eat. I don't know where you get your information from but saying its ok for them to eat styrofoam is not only dangerous its irresponsible.

[TNTurtles]

so should i just monitor their eating? Or should i be majorly concerned?

[cam722]

If they seem active and healthy.. just monitor them. If you notice any sudden changes in their eating or activity level, then I'd seek a vet to make sure.