Feeding and Nutrition :: eating fish

[TobyTurtleMama]

Is it okay that Toby just ate a whole fish, bones and everything?? The fish is a mini catfish that we bought to be his friend and also eat the gunk in the tank. Is it normal for him to eat the whole thing??? Geez I am just amazed at this turtle that eats anything and everything in his path!!

[iac637]

yeah they will eat a fish whole

[emma]

Yes. Turtles always eat the whole fish. But some turtles like to rip them in half then eat. Just make sure that he doesn't eat to many fish.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Yup, it is normal for them to eat the whole thing. Remember that in the wild, they have to find their own food, and they will eat the whole fish in the wild too! Their bodies are made to digest the whole thing, bones & all! Just keep in mind that in captivity, live fish are a treat since they are high in protein & should be given once in a while (not daily). Turtle pellets & veggies will help your turtle maintain his weight & nutrition requirements. Too much protein (from fish) can make their shell "pyramid".

[mikee]

Yes -- whole fish is good for your turtle. The bones provide calcium, the flesh provides protein and the guts provide other beneficial bacteria for the turtle digestion. I freeze my feeder fish to kill off any potential parasites and have them small enough to feed them in one bite (gulp). That helps in tank cleanliness. I have them in the freezer laid out in a flat pan on a piece of wax paper.