Feeding and Nutrition :: Would like examples of meals from those who do not live feed

[JenniferandPaws]

We adopted a turtle over a week ago, and everything has been great.
We adopted her knowing that she had been live fed, but were given the option of continuing that or not. We decided that at this time, we'd rather not live feed. It's something that I personally would not like doing, but in the future when we have a special set up, we're planning on making a huge habitat including fish that she would be able to eat. Now here's the question,

When we adopted her, they gave us three examples of meals that they would feed her. I will list them below. Due to the fact that we have chosen not to live feed, I would like to hear other examples from people who have made the same decision. They said not to give too much frozen fish and shrimp because It will depletes Vitamin B1. I would like to know how I can give her those nutrients, without live feeding, and what types of frozen fish I should feed her, and how often, etc.
Basically I'd like some more examples of meals from other people who have chosen not to live feed, and how they substitute certain things.
Listed below are a few examples of meals for her (although now we're not live feeding as I said)
· Sample 1: 2-4 blueberries (depending on size), 2-3 small frozen fish (thawed), 1 leaf of collard greens
· Sample 2: ½ of a small strawberry, several leaves of dandelion greens, ~8 sticks of Reptomin
· Sample 3: ~ ½ tablespoon of shredded carrots, 2-3 crickets, mustard greens or one green bean

[Shavannah]

Hi Jennifer! I've had my RES for about 3 years (i miscalculated earlier on his age). I joined this site a few days ago, and have learned many things I wasn't aware of on the feeding of my turt. I've read on many established members' posts that fruit should be given very sparingly, only as a treat, and no citrusy fruits. Also, they say never to give them any frozen fish. It's in the turtle's natural instinct to hunt and eat live prey. If you don't want to give fish, try shrimp, worms, crickets; but turts really love rosey red minnows! If you go to the Search bar and type in feeding or meals, many previous posts will come up that you can read that are very informative. I've spent countless hours on here over the last few days just reading and taking lots of notes. This has expanded my knowledge and understanding of what my turtle really requires and enjoys. You should get quite a few more answers on this, just give it a day or so, and keep checking back on your post for replies. Good luck!

[missibsu]

When feeding, there are some basic rules to follow. For older RES, pellets should be offered once every other day or every 3 days. This is the amount that would fit in the head if it were hollow and not including the neck.

Veggies should be offered daily. There is a list of veggies to offer in the feeding sticky. Variety is the key. They shouldn't always be fed the same meals day after day. It sounds like your turtle is stuck in a rut and this happens when a turtle hasn't been offered variety and they aren't used to it. My guess is that it is going to take awhile to convince your turtle to eat other foods. There are some tricks that you can try...soaking the pellets and veggies in tuna juice and/or mixing them up with some canned cat food.

Hope this helps.

[JenniferandPaws]

Wow. I was told that the whole amount of food (including veggies and fruit) should be the size of their head. So I should give them that amount of pellets every day, and then additional fruit / veggies?

Mable actually seems to be the opposite of picky. She loves everything (aside from peas) ... and she doesn't have a problem with the pellets

Thanks!!!

[missibsu]

Pellets the amount of the head, and veggies you'll learn. If she gets the runs, then you've fed too much. I have two turts and they usually get about 3 leaves of red leaf lettuce, or 10-12 dandelion leaves. Glad to hear that she isn't adverse to trying new things.