Feeding and Nutrition :: Algae discs as a substitute for veggies

[res08]

Would this be a good substitute for fresh veggies? My hatchling seems to like it.

[Elsa&Tank]

My Little guy likes them too, I also would like to know because he wont eat lettuce!!

[Take-One]

Nothing is a substitute for fresh veggies, but let him eat it. Keep trying fresh veggies!

[res08]

I haven't tried any veggies. But the veggies and fruits listed in the sticky is not naturally available to them in the wild.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Well, you could feed them grass, but just make sure it's free of pesticides. The only reason we advocate those particular veggies is because since we can buy them in the grocery store, we assume they are safe to eat. But natural dandelion greens and grass from pesticide-free soil is perfectly acceptable as well.

[Chrisbarnett]

Agree with Take-one, nothing is a substitute for real fresh veggies.

the veggies and fruits listed in the sticky is not naturally available to them in the wild.

Neither are the Algae disks. Yes they are not available to them in the wild, but that does not mean that they aren't beneficial to the turtle. Wild sliders usually live a maximum of 10-15 years, while in Captivity they can live 20-40 years. So veggies are obviously beneficial in the whole scheme of things.

[Sgt. Pepper]

Well we're not talking about wild turtles here. I don't think wild dogs have access to kibble but we give them that.

[Chrisbarnett]

That wasn't my point.

I meant that just because it isn't available in the wild does not mean that it is not beneficial to the animal.

[marisa]

I have some algae disks that I crumble and occasionally give my RES for variety. He likes them.

For longevity of RES in the wild, I think loss of habitat and predators play a more important role.

[starscollided]

well its good to know that the algae isnt a good sub. for veggies but its also good to know that they arent bad for him - My tank gets to be so algae free that i have to put the disks in for my pleco and my turtle goes nuts for them!

i have to take squirt out when i feel the pleco

[res08]

My goldfish goes nuts for algae discs as well. They always get to it first before the pleco. I had to create an enclosure that only the pleco can fit in just so he can have the disc all to himself.