Feeding and Nutrition :: Feeding in a seperate tank

[Stace]

Hi, I want to feed my new turtle in a seperate tank but I read that they need water to help swallow the food. Is this true? I would really like to just put the food in there dry, but I want to do what is best. I have been feeding her in the tank that she lives in for about a week, but I think it would be better to do it in a seperate tank. If I do need to put water in a feeding tank, how much? I'm a new owner and I'm just trying to get the hang of everything. Advise/help/comments would be appreciated.... Thanks

[jenaero]

Personally, I don't see a difference as far as cleanliness of the tank when feeding in a separate container, but that's just me.

A few inches of water in a dishpan is fine. The temp of water should be about the same temp as what's in the tank. They do need to eat in the water, as they don't produce saliva.

[marisa]

It depends on what and how much you're feeding. Pellets won't really make a difference in cleanliness, unless you're feeding more than the turtle can/will eat and the uneaten ones become waste. Ditto for veggies, and you can net out the pieces that aren't being eaten before they turn to mush.

Anything that falls apart quickly, however, if it's feed with any regularity, would most likely leave the water cleaner if offered in a separate container of water. I mainly feed in the tank, and to make things easier for me, I will feed messier foods just before the tank and filter are going to be cleaned (Would have had to clean anyway.)

When/if I do feed in a separate container, I have the water level just high enough so that the turtle can grab the food and comfortably eat. This is usually just about enough to cover the shell.