All Turtles Message Board

mcdonaldfries03 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

I noticed that my turtle has developed shell pyramiding. At first I though it was normal, but then realized it didn't look very normal. He's about a year old, and the problem isn't out of control, but I stopped feeding him every day and got new foods into his diet.

Before, he was eating on pellets, and about 8 a day. Now, i'm down to eating every other day, and he eats pellets, lettuce, apples, carrots, and a few other fruits and veggies.

My question is, how exactly much should i be feeding him? He begs all the time, and I don't give him food, but I want to make sure I'm not malnourishing him. I know about the whole "fill up his head with food" thing or whatever, but with lettuce how do i tell? Also, what are some things i can do so that his shell grows properly from now on. I know its because of the protein in the pellets, so i try to not feed him those as much anymore. Anything that can help will be appreciated.

Rachel16 · Level 3 Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 351

Well first of all do you give him pellets, lettuce, apples, carrots, and a few other fruits and veggies on every other day or just one type of veggie /fruit different days? Also how big is his head? If he is as old as i think he is he should probbably eat 2"x1" peice of lettuce once a week and if he eats all of it give him a little more... I would also give him the fruits and stuff about once a week to. But on those days give him a few pellets too...

i hope this helped... Surprised

_________________
Tara Dakota

In memory of Tara who died unexpectedly 4Pm on January 14, 2007

mcdonaldfries03 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

He eats only one of those things every other day, I don't give all of that to him on one day like I make it sound.lol. But, his head is about the size of a grape, maybe a little smaller. I give him lettuce, about the size of a piece you said, and he eats it in like 2 minutes, but I usually don't give him much more. His diet mainly consists of lettuce and carrots and pellots, with some fruit mixed in.

What else can i feed him? Should i feed him less? I just feel he eats so fast that I'm going to starve him.

I-LOVE-TURTLES · Level 3 Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 240 Location: My House

what kind of lettuce? iceberg isn't very good for them.... FYI

Kayti
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I have 3 dachshunds, Meggie, Lucie, And *Baby Baluga Butthead* Pixie!! I also have a RES * Fred* Tim

mcdonaldfries03 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

I know that..i feed him romaine

Rachel16 · Level 3 Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 351

well here is mostly what you can feed him: got list from jenaero

VEGETABLES **all rinsed thoroughly**

Romaine Lettuce
Mustard leaves
Leaves of Radish
Collard Greens
Tomatoes (must be considered a rarity. too acidic to be a regular staple)
Carrot
Turnip
Sweet Potato (cooked - boiled/ steamed/baked)
Peas (occasionally - once a month max)
Pumpkin
Squashes

FRUITS **no more than once a month**
Papaya
Mango
Watermelon
Cantaloupe/Common Melon
Grapes (remove skin so its easier for them to pick at )
Apple
Pear
Strawberry
Figs
Banana

WATER PLANTS **rinsed thoroughly**
Anacharis
Water Lily
Duckweed
Water Hyacinth
Hornwort

LIVE PREY
Feeder Fish (guppies, rosey red minnows)
mealworms (no more than once a week as they're very high in protein)
mosquito larvae
crickets (preferably gutloaded)
cockroaches
apple snails or other water snails

Getting Calcium
cuttlebone (found in any pet store in the bird section - peel off the hard backing first, as they can't digest it)
Calcium Dusting (you can crush cuttlebone for this)
Calcium blocks

Getting Vitamin A (Great for eyes ..especially if they are puffy)
green leafy vegetables
carrot
squash
cod liver oil
_________________
Tara Dakota

In memory of Tara who died unexpectedly 4Pm on January 14, 2007

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

What size tank to you have your turtle in? You can also add feeder fish and crickets to his diet.

mcdonaldfries03 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

Right now he's in a ten gallon thats almost fully filled with water

turtle_grl77 · Level 4 Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 985 Location: Florida

You need to buy a bigger tank an put him in there asap. If you keep him in a small tank he will develop major problems and die.

mcdonaldfries03 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 7

how big of a tank should I buy? I don't have the biggest budget considering i'm a college graduate and looking for a job.

Also, where can I find most of those plants and such that are suggested to feed them. I live in a fairly rural area, the the local pet stores don't have much. Can I find most of that stuff from the grocery store?