General Care Discussion :: turtles seem hungrier than usual

[mrodrigo]

lately ive noticed my turtles are hungrier than usual, id been feeding them twice daily, 4 or 5 wardley sticks each, but now every time i go near the tank they stick their heads out and ive even seen one eat their own poop, not nice, should i just feed them more? thanks guys

martin

[sonyj]

No, you shouldn't feed them more. Depending on the age, they should be fed only once every day (for hatchlings) and once every other day for older turtles. They are very good at begging, but don't give in to them. Giving veggies every day is also a must and a good way to curb their begging.

[mrodrigo]

they are almost 2 years old and about 3 3/4" in. in diam. what kind of veggies should i feed them?

[missibsu]

There is a feeding list and a what not to feed list on the nutrition page. Dark leafy greens are a good start though. And remember variety.

[steve]

Giving veggies every day is also a must and a good way to curb their begging.

Veggies are great but might not curb the begging. They're too good at that

[sonyj]

Veggies are great but might not curb the begging. They're too good at that

I guess I just have an unusual turtle or he's not a master in the art form of begging yet. All I have to do is drop in a couple of carrot slivers or an extra piece of lettuce and he's a happy camper for the rest of the day.

[missibsu]

I was thinking that I read somewhere that if the water temp is too high it can lead to turtles eating more. What is your water temp, and could that be part of the problem?

[marisa]

I've noticed an increase in my RES's appetite lately, and I'm attributing it to spring. But where you are, it's warm all year(?). If so, the increased warmth as spring and summer approaches could be the reason for the increased appetites.

Do you have any cuttlebone you could put in the tank? Adding some plant matter to the tank if you're not doing so would be good as well.