General Care Discussion :: Too Much Cuttle Bone?

[jrd1mra]

hello, I looked around and it doesn't seem like its possible for a RES to eat too much cuttlebone. I always put about a head sized piece in her tank. When I drop it in she goes NUTS. She attacks it and bites it and eats it until its pulverized. Its usually gone in an hour! Needless to say I only give it to hert once a week or so. Shopuld I be concerned? Of course she eats everything like that, but it wont hurt her will it? Also, should this be a flag that she needs more vitamins? I feed her a great variety and she has a good appetite.

[marisa]

I keep several head-size pieces floating in the tank for my RES to nibble on (he's not as crazy about cuttlebone as your turtle appears to be). If you're only giving your turtle one head-size piece a week, I think you can safely increase the amount. Try one or two pieces a day.

[jrd1mra]

I keep several head-size pieces floating in the tank for my RES to nibble on (he's not as crazy about cuttlebone as your turtle appears to be). If you're only giving your turtle one head-size piece a week, I think you can safely increase the amount. Try one or two pieces a day.

wow thats way more than what I would have expected. You say one or two a DAY. I guess it doesnt hurt her.

[marisa]

Cuttlebone is not 100% calcium, and just because your turtle eats it, it doesn't mean that all of it is utilized.