Feeding and Nutrition :: Feeding in separate tank/feeding consistency

[ashipyor]

I have seen a lot of postings of people feeding in a separate tank. I know with hatchlings it's reccomended that you hold/move them as little as possible so I was wondering when I could start trying this method or if I shouldn't at all? Also, if anyone has any tips on feeding in a separate tank as far as what your method is (how long you let them in there to feed, do you heat the water, etc).

Also...I think consistency is important with all animals, but I was wondering if you should feed your turtle at the same time of day? Also, when will I know my hatchling is no longer a hathcling and I should stop feeding every day?

[megcornell]

Most people try feeding in a separate container once their turtle is settled in and eating well. It can take some adjusting so if a turtle is already stressed getting used to it's home tank, feeding it in a separate tank won't go well at all.
If your turtle has been with you a while and eats regularly and is comfortable basking around you I'd think he or she would be a good candidate to try feeding in a separate tank.

As for how long to leave them in, I'd give them a good half hour or so if they're nervous. You may also want to leave and give them some privacy at first. You can use the tank water for the separate tank, it'll be a good way to add a little fresh water to the "home tank" to supplement what you take out for the feeding tank. And, you'll be sure that the temps are correct. A lot of people also let their turtles stay in the feeding tank long enough to poop after eating so the filter has less work in the home tank.

Finally, I considered my turtle out of it's hatchling stage once it was around a year old (~3.5-4 inches). At that point, their initial growth spurt ends and they don't need as much protein so you can feed pellets every other day. But, even adult turtles get vegetables daily, so if you haven't introduced tilly to vegetables now's a great time to start.

[ashipyor]

Thanks! Tilly devours her water plants and as soon as we move to the new tank we're going to work on some greens. I just got some clips for the tank to hold the greens so I'm super excited! I'll wait on the feeding in a separate tank for now but this will be very helpful when Tilly is ready for that transition.

[ESG4Life]

Can anyone post a picture of what a veggie clip looks like?
Thank you in advance!

[untsmurf]

here's one in use:


They cost like $2.

[Caphits]

Yeah, they look like a fridge magnet clip thingy, except they have a suction cup instead of a magnet.

[ESG4Life]

Okie Dokie thanks.. I can get it at Wal-Mart or a pet store, right?

[ashipyor]

I know PetCo has them in the aquatics section by filters, etc. I would reccomend getting the clearn ones versus the fish ones. I have heard from quite a few people that the fish ones break pretty easily...even though they're cute!