Feeding and Nutrition :: feeding greens

[mega_devastation]

hello all,
im a little confused. on this site it said that collard greens are to be used rarely and yet these two sites (below), that seemed to be backed by vets say it sould be a staple for turtles -- it would be helpful if someone can enlighten me about this ^^ -thanks


http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... icleid=945

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/reptile/turtle.html

[N4784N R4613]

Well, the one site only mentions it for tortoises, and the other says it should only be "35% or less depending upon the species." Could you please point out where in those sites it says that collard greens should be a staple part of the diet for RED EARED SLIDERS, and not just AQUATIC TURTLES? This site( www.redearslider.com ) is specificly for Res Eared Sliders. While the sites you posted are trying to cover all species in general. It even says on those sites...

"These contain high amounts of oxalates and should only be fed in limited quantities."

"Not all aquatic turtles are carnivores. Some species of aquatic tropical turtles require a diet rich in fruit, while others are almost completely herbivorous, so check on your individual species. Also, juveniles require more than adults."

"Proportions depend upon species. Also, in general, juvenile turtles require more meat than adults."

[marisa]

I don't see on either of those sites where it specifically says that collards should be a staple for turtles...collards are, however, good as part of the overall diet, and, depending on how balanced the overall diet is and the amount that's being given, I don't think they need to be offered only rarely. In the summer, for example, when they're in season here, my turtles might be getting some a few times a week. But it really depends.

I admit to going over the info quickly, but from what I read, I would tend to disagree with some of the info on both of those sites. But, especially for classifying how often to eat certain foods, I probably differ to some extent with 99% of the feeding lists given, at least for some foods.

m_d, you seem to be concerned about collards. Do you feed your turtle collards frequently? If so, what other foods are you including in your turtle's diet?

[mega_devastation]

hmm, i see.. well on the 1rst link i was looking at 'omnivore diet' but ure right its not specific to res..

on the secound link, it mentions aquatic turtles on the bottom but refers to the tortoise list of greens. >_> (guess i should of thought less of the that one huh)


well its just that my local supermarket has very few vegitables that are on turtle diet lists (though now that i think about it theres only 4 staple items), i wanted to start giving my turtle more varitety when it comes to greens, so i was glad when they actually had some collard greens, but then i came on this site and it sounded all dangerous so i was like , what the- ?? heh heh

but thanks, i guess ill just stick to this site's lists...

oh and i was wondering, is watercress good for turtles? (cuz i know they got that) and once i got all my veggies, about how much do i put for turtle to eat daily?

she's like 5 1/2 inches and eats anything i throw in there, which is pellets, cuttlebone ,red lettuce, and yesterday i gave her collard greens.

[megcornell]

My turtle hates collard greens so I never feed them, but if your turtle will eat them you can add them to the diet. Variety is key with vegetables.
As for how much to feed- feed pellets every other day, you can add cuttlebone every week or so depending on her appetite for it (give more if she eats more), and feed the veggies daily. As for how much vegetable matter to feed, you can't really overdose on them, but your turtle can get the runs so watch out for that.

[mega_devastation]

i see, yeah my turtle attacked the collards with a passionate fury ^^

thank you for all the info