Feeding and Nutrition :: where/how/what to feed in

[LorJ]

I know these may be some silly questions but I haven't been able to find it on the boards or online.

If I want to feed my turtles in a different box other than the tank (or in tank):
1. How much water do I put in the 'box'?
2. Do you use a dish for the greens/veggies?
3. Where do you place the dish? (either in other 'box' or in tank)
4. Do you chop up the greens for baby turtles? (babies about half dollar size) Or
5. If I use a veggie/green clip just attach a leaf of the green?

Sorry for any silly questions but I am a bit anal about doing things correctly.

[Daniel3507]

you dont really need a dish or anything. you can just put it in there. what are you feeding your turtle?

[Raphulk]

it's a very smart idea to feed your turtles in a separate container. it reduces waste in their actual tank and reduces the need to do water changes (you still have to do them though)

id say shell level water would be sufficient if youre just going to feed them and then put them back, they do need water to eat.

for veggies like lettuce, I recommend a veggie clip (found at petstores) that can hold the lettuce or greens that you are feeding. you can place that in the tank, so the turtles can just nip at it.

dont be disappointed if your babies dont eat anything but pellets, because its not uncommon for baby turtles to stray from anything non protein.

[LorJ]

Just got them today. I have a variety of greens and veggies on hand because I have bearded dragons and am trying to help out a sick iguana. Collards, mustard greens, turnip greens, squash, sweet potato etc.
I have the turtle reptomin sticks because I also have aquatic frogs.

I do have two veggie clips and wanted to get started with greens in the morning. Hopefully they will be good to me and like them, LOL Just not sure if I want to feed in the tank or out or where to place the clips or dish etc.

Any help will be appreciated.

[LorJ]

dont be disappointed if your babies dont eat anything but pellets, because its not uncommon for baby turtles to stray from anything non protein.

Thank you. With my older beardie not liking his veggies, I am sure not to get my hopes up. But I will still offer daily.

[Daniel3507]

ive always fed my turtle in the tank. if you feed in another tank you could always just put one of the clips in the regular tank.

[LorJ]

So when I use a feeding tank just put the pellets in the water, and can leave the greens in their reg. tank on the clips. Place the clips anywhere particular? How about size of greens/veggies? Will they just tear off a piece if I use too large of one?
(are there any 'embarrased smilies" I could use, LOL)

[Daniel3507]

haha. dont worry. better you ask questions than do something that could hurt your turt. just put the pellets in the water. doesnt really matter where you put the clips. i would avoid the filter inlet though. i would make it about the size of the shell. they will just takes bites off it.

[LorJ]

Ah yes, the size of the shell. I did read that, LOL
It's just that they are such little things.

Thank you very much for your help.

[Daniel3507]

no problem. the good thing about this forum is that everyone is always willing to help

[LorJ]

One more question for now

I raise my own feeder guppies so I am good there, but wonder about frozen krill, bloodworms etc. I have these on hand too for the frogs, LOL

Just meaning occasional treats.

[Daniel3507]

http://www.redearslider.com/prey.html

that section will be able to clear up all those questions for ya

[Coli123]

Hi guys, i also have baby res and i was wondering if its ok to feed them turtle treats (baby shrimp, krill) daily? They prefer treats over pellets lol.

[Fuzzy Hamster]

Coli123, I just stopped feeding our RES bloodworms on a daily basis because they are high in protein. Turtle Bites are apparently also very high in protein. Too much protein can cause them to grow too fast and lead to shell problems.

Our baby wouldn't eat lettuce and I wanted him to have more than just pellets. We gave him only lettuce (romaine) for 2 days and once he finally tried it, he can't get enough! He has now also had apple skins and loves those too!

So now will give him treats every once in a while but not every day like we were.

[steve]

No, please read over the feeding section on the main site. The last thing you want to do is offer an unhealthy, unbalanced diet.