[Dunkafunk]

Hey everyone,

I've just adopted four turtles, two yellow bellied sliders and two map turtles, all apparently 18 months old or thereabouts. They seem a friendly little bunch and can apparently be hand fed, but I'm still doing ongoing research into their care for my own sake. I have found it tricky to find out specifics on food. Any help would be appreciated.

A lot of advice says you can feed them dandelions and blackberries. Is this just the leaves or the whole weed? I'm assuming I have to wash it and make sure it is pesticide free, but any other special preperation for them (or any other vegetables)? Any one had any experience with blackberries?

We have lots of both plants in our garden which hasn't been treated with pesticides whilst we've been here. If the terrapins/turtles will take to them it would be killing two birds with one stone. (The bramble will also be good for the stick insects, but that's another story!).

I've come across a fair bit of stuff that suggests giving them greens every day. I'm cool with that, but is left in the water and changed daily or is there a better way to do it, say a vegetable clip like what's used for fishtanks?

Also, on live foods; the gentleman who gave the turtles away for adoption said they love crickets, which is cool but how often should I feed them live food? Any specific ones that are especially good for them? I've been informed that they mealworms can be eaten but aren't particularly nutritious.

I know you can dust insects or gut-load them before feeding but I want the best for these (not so) little guys. I understand their food has to go in the water for them to actually eat it; not sure about witnessing drowning bugs but I guess needs must! :?

So, any advice on frequency, ratio and other dietary advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time!

 

[lr85ninety]

cant help you with your turtles sorry someone on here will tho! im just curious what stick insects you have??

 

[shell shocked]

the best things you can give them are
Reptimin sticks
Pieces of fish,meat(no fat on it),prawns,shrimp.
Greens ie: cabbage ,kale stuff like that just let it float in the tank and fish it out the next day as they tend to nibble then get bored with anything thats there a little while.
But the best all round diet for them is the reptimin.
You can also put cuttle fish bone in for them to naw on ( good source of calcium for them)

Lloyd

 

[Dunkafunk]

Food

They do like their greens, bought some kale today but they've already been fed so will try them tomorrow.

As for the cuttle fish, the Maps especially like it when I've broken a bit off; they crunch that stuff to powder!

Got a mix of dried foods for variety, will look out for Reptomin next time I go to the aquatics/reptile shop.

As for prawns and shrimp, is this stuff from the supermarket (if so, fresh or frozen?) or from a specialist food supplier?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[shell shocked]

prawns i get from the supermarket fresh as for the shrimps my local aquatics shop sell live river shrimp as a feeder so i use that as i treat.
The cuttle is great for youre turtles as it mainly calcium.
Lloyd

 

[Reptilerescueden]

the best things you can give them are
Reptimin sticks
Pieces of fish,meat(no fat on it),prawns,shrimp.
Greens ie: cabbage ,kale stuff like that just let it float in the tank and fish it out the next day as they tend to nibble then get bored with anything thats there a little while.
But the best all round diet for them is the reptimin.
You can also put cuttle fish bone in for them to naw on ( good source of calcium for them)

Lloyd

Personally I don't like Reptimin...I've found that turtles living on that for a long time have become aneamic (sp)? The best dried food should consist of what they would eat in the wild. I use King British terrapin and turtle food. I do give them prawns and fish occasionally and vegetables, including the plants that we planted for eating purposes Of course mine live outdoors in our enclosure, but indoors they require a good filter and UV lighting.

 

[shell shocked]

Mine dont live soley on reptimin ( should have said that realy shouldnt i ) As i dont think its good enough to be a staple diet , but its fine to give them aswell as other varied foods aswell.

And yes the king british dry mixes are good but i find you loose alot as it turns to dust in the bottom.
Lloyd

 

[Reptilerescueden]

Still think Reptimin should be banned! Only have to look at the nutritional value on the back and the colour of it to realise its crap!

 

[Dunkafunk]

update

Well, I have prepared a feeding schedule according to what I have managed to gather from books and the internet, plus forum advice.

The little ones get fed greens (of various kinds) twice a week, pellets once a week (basically a mix of dried 'live' food like shrimps and supplement food like the King British previously mentioned). Once a week they get calcium dusted live food.

I'm also thinking of going bug hunting in the garden perhaps twice a week to supplement their diet with other mini-beasts; from what I have read they will benefit from the additional bugs in their diet.

Of course, comments and suggestions are welcome!

 

[Reptilerescueden]

I'd say that was spot on!

Always best to mimick their natural diet where possible.
Mine in the outdoor enclosure clear up any insect within their reach.

 

[pinky89]

i try to feed mine cuttle bone but i dnt want it floating around the tank, any suggestions?