Feeding and Nutrition :: sandwich meat

[AliciaCarstens]

When I first got my turtles, they were so freaked out that they hadn't eaten in 3 days. I tried pellets and romaine, but they didn't want anything to do with this. I dug through internet forums and care sheets and found that they were more inclined to eat meat at younger ages so out of desperation I gave them a bit of roast beef (It's the extra- thin sliced, deli style) and they love it. First chance I got I went and got them some feeder fish (guppies). They ate 6 of them but will not eat the remaining 4. My question is if it is alright to continue feeding them the sandwich meat?

[Kallistos]

Sandwich meat, especially beef is very fattening. I don't reccomend it, only for a treat should they be given that. That's what I've heard at least.

[cprcheetah]

That is what I have heard as well....as well as the preservatives aren't exactly the best for the turtles too.

[Kallistos]

Make sure you're always offering them fresh vegetables, such as romaine lettuce and carrots.

[AliciaCarstens]

I have still been giving them turtle pellets as well as romaine, but they only nip at the pellets and don't go near the romaine. I saw on another topic that someone soaked the romaine in tuna water so I am going to try that and see how it works.

Also, should I take the feeder fish out. Amusingly enough, I noticed that when Scott would go to check out the pellets, the fish would come up and scare him away.

[missibsu]

lunch meat shouldn't be offered at all. It has preservatives, it's high in sodium, and loads of other crap. I wouldn't even offer it as a treat. If you want to treat your turtle, use the feeders, or some krill or fruits.

Also, remember that one treat in one category, doesn't mean that he can have a treat from another category. If you are offering treats once or twice a month, then that doesn't mean two servings of fruit and two servings of krill.