Feeding and Nutrition :: bananas and fish

Turtle diets and eating habits discussed here.

Post Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:07 pm   bananas and fish

today i fed my turtle bananas. how much should i feed him. how much should i feed cooked fish?
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Take-One
 
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Post Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:17 pm   

How big are your turtles?
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Nettle
 
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Post Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:21 pm   

im guessing 4" and 6" long 2" and 4" wide
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Post Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:19 pm   

Both should be considered treats.
Bananas contain a lot of sugar. About once a month is OK.
Fish is high in protein. Too much protein can lead to shell problems. I'm also not sure about cooked fish.
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Post Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:22 pm   

Fish is actually a bad idea unless it's a treat once a month. It has too much protein and they'll grow too fast for their shell (I did that for months and now they have minor pyramiding). Banana should also be restricted to once a month because of all the sugar. If it is for a treat, fish:1/2 inch cube is probably ok; banana: one slice a 1/4 inch thick.

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Post Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:51 pm   

Like everyone said, both only as a treat. For the fish, you can give them a head-sized piece, but don't give them pellets when you give them fish. And don't give them any other high protein treats. As for cooked fish, make sure it isn't cooked in oil or with seasonings. I cooked my turtle a small piece of fish by just putting it in a little foil tent and baking it, no seasoning or oil.
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Post Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 3:07 pm   

Just an add on to the above comments, if you give your turtle fish that's been frozen, it contains thiaminase which can cause vitamin B deficency. Bananas are also high in phospherous and low in calcium, which can also cause dietary issues if fed in excess. Occasional live fish and occasional papaya or mango would be better for your turtles.
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Post Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:26 pm   

Just want to say that not all fish contain thiaminase, so it would depend on the fish, I think.

And, as noted, bananas are high in phosphorus, which is already abundant in most captive turtle's diets, so why add to it. Too much phosphorus will inhibit calcium absorption. I do give my RES a small sliver or two, but only very rarely.
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