Feeding and Nutrition :: Is it okay to give my RES dead fish?

[k9ck024]

One of my feeder fish just died and I was wondering is it okay to give it to my RES or does it need to be alive?

[steve]

I usually don't unless I know the cause. And you'll want to do it right away, since they will deteriorate very quickly.

[k9ck024]

I fed one last weekend. Should I feed it again or wait until couple days/weeks to feed it? I'm going to refrigerate the fish

[steve]

Freezing would probably be better, but it's a bit iffy if you're not sure why they died.

[PridgNYC]

I'm assuming that since you said feeder fish, it died in the turtles tank. Have you tested the water? High ammonia will kill a fish much faster than a turtle. In that case it is probably ok to feed it later, but if you don't know why the fish died, don't feed it to something else unless you are studying the transmission of parasites.

[k9ck024]

My dad gave the fish to the RES without telling me. That was the dead fish I was talking about. I believe it died because it didnt have enough oxygen since I put it in a small container without a filter. However, I have three fishes that died yesterday because my sister thought the water was cold so she added warm water. I separated the fish and the RES in a small container and in the tank respectively.

[k9ck024]

So I guess its okay to give my RES dead fish?

[steve]

It depends on the circumstances. Personally, I don't like to use them but many people do.