Feeding and Nutrition :: Turtles eating only Floating food sticks

[mcghee.kevin]

I inherited turtles that my family has had since they were hatchlings, over 10 years, ones a female about 9 inches long, the others about 6 inches and male. They have been fed floating food sticks, varying in brand all their life, they seem healthy, should I keep feeding them this or should I start feeding them other things. Also they have always been fed one a day, I read they should be fed every other day?

[megcornell]

I just answered this in your urgent care post- you're asking all the right questions

As for feeding- it's important to have a balanced diet so try to incorporate some veggies in the turtles' diets. They may be reluctant to eat them at first, but it's an important part of the diet so you may have to bribe them by dipping the veggies in tuna juice or simply try some tough love and only offer veggies for a few days.
As for the pellets- feed them only every other day- too much protein can lead to shell issues like pyramiding.

[mcghee.kevin]

lol I dont think feeding somthing different will be a problem for the female, she eats so voraciously I doubt she would notice. As for the little guy\, mabe thats why hes not eating much. Im wondering what would be the best thing to start him on to make him start eating, and eating alot.

[SpotsMama]

Kevin, in your comment at the top you said you feed them "one a day". Did you mean once a day? Or did you mean the turtles get one Reptomin stick a day?

[megcornell]

Every turtle likes different veggies it seems. Mine personally loves carrots and romaine lettuce but would rather starve than eat collard greens. You just have to try a variety and see what your guys like.

[SpotsMama]

My turtle's favorite is fresh basil.

[mcghee.kevin]

Lol sorry, I hurt my finger yesterday and have a problem typing, quite embarrasing for a teacher lol,

No I have been feeding them once a day, the amount of sticks equal to the size of their heads. This is how they have been fed since our family got them 10 years ago. I have a feeling if nothing else they gotta be tired of this, well the little guy thats sick, the female, she will eat anthing anytime.