Feeding and Nutrition :: 3" and 4" turtle owners

[Arisu]

I know there are TONS of threads on how much pellets to feed turts. I also understand that the rule of thumb is to give them a hollow-head amount of food but I would like some specific advices/recommendations!

I current have 2 RESs, one is 3 inches and the other is a little over 4. I estimated about ~6 pellets for my 3 inch. As for my 4 inch, he looks like he has a really big head and estimated ~12 pellets.

What have you 3-4" turtle owners estimated?

I am afraid of overfeeding because my 4" has a slight pyramid condition ): Also, since my 4" went through his growth spurt, I should feed him every other day, right? But as for my 3", should I continue to feed him/her (I'm not sure about this one) daily?

[TheComputerGremlin]

Okay, first, what type of pellets? Mazuri versus HBH versus Reptomin are all different sizes.

Since your one is 4", you can cut back to every other day with him.
Your 3" can remain being fed daily until s/he reaches 4".

I think I'm feeding my 4" 6 Reptomin and 6 HBH pellets, which I *think* is about the size of the head. I've fed consistently as he'd grown and I don't have any pyramiding, so I think I've found a good place.

There was a cute post a while back where the turtle owner took a picture of the turtle's head next to the pellets and asked us to estimate. Might I suggest this?

[untsmurf]

With the 4'' turtle, you need to start feeding pellets every other day and introducing veggies. If you can your 3'' turtle to eat veggies, that's great. If not, don't worry about it just yet. He should still be eating pellets everyday. My 4.5'' turtle gets about 6 reptomin and 4 wardley's every other day, then gets veggies every day. A 3'' turtle could probably eat 6-8 pellets.

[Arisu]

Okay, thanks.

My 4" loves veggies but my 3" doesn't care for them at all.

Sorry but not being more specific, but I am feeding them reptomin pellets.

[SpotsMama]

Here's a thread I love on how to determine the right amount of pellets to feed:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11368

As you can see if you read through the thread, there are some different opinions as to how many pellets to feed. The opinions range from 4 to 6 a day. It's not an exact science - you'll have to use some judgement. Generally speaking, if you're going to err, you should do so on the side of caution; ie, if you aren't sure how many would fit in your turtle's head, use the smaller amount you think might be right.