Feeding and Nutrition :: How often??

[fiendishly.risque]

How often should I feed our turtle? His shell is 5 inches long. We got him last night, and have given him a few turtle pellets, but he hasnt eaten since we got him. Ive been browsing around on the site, but am still alittle un-clear on feeding.

Should I buy feeder fish once a week, like 3 or 4 and just add them in the tank for the week, and then daily feed him once or twice some veggies and his pellets?

thanks

[jenaero]

For pellets, feed the amount the size of his head every other day. You can give veggies/plants on the days in between. Check the 'What to feed' and 'What not to feed' lists at the top of this forum.

I buy feeder fish maybe once a month at most. Stay away from goldfish as they're too fatty. Rosy red minnows are probably the best feeder fish for res.

He probably won't eat for the first little while as he's adjusting to his new home.

good luck with your new 'son'

[grey goose]

Did you get him at a pet store or adopt? Adopted turts usually adjust quicker...but give him some time, he'll come around and start eating soon enough. Leave a fresh piece of romaine in his tank everyday. At 5", he's big enough for Zoo Med Aquatic pellets, most turts can't resist them for long, and they break down slowly so you can leave them in there awhile. Just drop in about 4-5 pellets and walk away, He probably won't eat if you stand there and stare at 'em.....

[fiendishly.risque]

thanks!

After reading the "what to feed and not feed" section, I went out and bought three rosy red minnows and a few aquatic plants listed on the list to stick in with him. Hasnt touched the fish, but has happily munched down on the fresh greens

Thanks for the tips. It really helps!

[grey goose]

My pleasure. Careful with the "live feeders" tho. may be too much protien all at once, I'd stick with pellets for now, only because you need to get aquainted w/your new pal, and he need to know that you are the source of his food....bonding, doncha know.

[marisa]

If you're not already, adding some extra calcium to his diet with some cuttlebone would be good as well. It's great that he went for the greens!

[fiendishly.risque]

yeah, i heard cuttle bone was good for um, and once of my friends keeps birds, so she gave me a bunch. I just crunched it up and put some in the water.

I also bought some supplements, but im still afraid to use them. He's still pretty scared of us, and isnt eating really regularly, so I figured once he got more used to us, I could start tightly wrapping it some greens.

you guys/gals have all been great! You dont know how much it has put me at ease, and ive felt alot more knowledgeable at taking care of the little guy (although not nearly as much as you!!)

[fluffytheturtle]

yeah, i heard cuttle bone was good for um, and once of my friends keeps birds, so she gave me a bunch. I just crunched it up and put some in the water.

I also bought some supplements, but im still afraid to use them. He's still pretty scared of us, and isnt eating really regularly, so I figured once he got more used to us, I could start tightly wrapping it some greens.

you guys/gals have all been great! You dont know how much it has put me at ease, and ive felt alot more knowledgeable at taking care of the little guy (although not nearly as much as you!!)

Good luck with your RES. I just wanted to add, it may or may not be a good idea to wait to give them lettuce. I know some people who waited too long and now their turtle's won't touch the lettuce! While you are right in enticing him to eat at first, don't wait too long!

[cprcheetah]

Good luck. My turtle Zeke is 5 years old and somehow miraculously survived on a diet of only pelletts until I got him....2 months ago. He dislikes lettuce in any shape or form and rarely eats it...still trying every day though. he LOVES carrots, tomatoes. Last night we made some 'veggie' squares for him, and he loves them....one way to 'sneak' his lettuce in.

[fiendishly.risque]

Well, Betty is eating pretty good, i do have to say so myself. (we are pretty sure he is now a she, so we named her betty). Earlier today she ate one of the fish we had stuck in in the beginning of the week, and shes LOVES romaine lettuce, carrots and tomatoes! She has even started begging for food. LOL, its cute