Feeding and Nutrition :: Tuna vs. Live Prey

[SpotsMama]

You know, there's no requirement at all that you feed your turtles live prey. Lots of people on here never do it. So far as I know, the benefits of feeding live prey are that it gives your turtles exercise and and the experience of the hunt, like they would have in the wild. The negatives are that sometimes live prey carry parasites that can infect your turtle and....well, what happens to the live prey.

[kimberly183]

That makes me feel a lot better! They get a little bit of poached egg whites on Sundays, pellets and veggies everyday, and they had a tiny piece of turkey on Thanksgiving. They really love their shredded carrot. I think they do okay!

I am taking them to the vet on Thursday - just a checkup since I realize the previous owner did A LOT wrong. I am sure they will live, and quite well, if I don't feed them minnows (and I will feel a lot better!) We certainly don't need parasites!

[my_manuelita_turtle]

How can I calculate the amount of tuna that is best for a baby turtle?

[marisa]

Your hatchling eats other food as well (including pellets) and the tuna would be a rare treat? Feed at bit less than the size of your turtle's head (don't include the neck) and don't feed pellets if you give the tuna. This shouldn't be often, just as a treat. You can always give some veggies like a bit of red-leaf lettuce, dandelions, anachris (aquatic plant), etc., though.