Feeding and Nutrition :: Can I over feed my turtle?

[Critterandpig]

Hi im a new res owner and im just getting used to and trying to learn all about turtle diets and feeding. My new guy Pig once in his new tank at home never skipped a beat hes really active and always trying to climb new spots or zip around in the filter current or chase feeder fish when there there (Very Very hilarious!!!!!) But one question arose and im sure its common here but i couldnt really find it. But can i over feed my turtle or will he just eat his fill and stop? How much is a normal serving per day?

[jozzep]

Yes you can.....He will eat till he pukes, and then eat again.
You should offer an amount of pellets that equals the size of his head, every other day.On the off day is it great to feed him veggies like carrots and lettuce.
Overfeeding will cause pyramiding of the shell, rapid growth, and organ failure.

[wiccabrat]

Yep what Jozzep said, they won't stop eating. How big is he though cause under 2" should be fed daily IMO. 3" and over I feed every 3 days with vegis floating all the time and meat every 6 days.

[Critterandpig]

YEah thanks alot for the quick replies i guess i have been giving him to much then as he is just a little guy around two inches. One more question what about leaving feeder fish in his home will he also chase them untill he is sick? Or will it be ok to leave them to his discretion?

[wiccabrat]

I leave feeders in, it seems it takes so much work and energy to catch them they burn off the extra. At 2" I feed every day, enough pellets to fit in his head (so only a few), always float some vegis (keep trying till you find things he'll eat) and every 3 days instead of pellets I give meat (blood worms or earth worms usually).
Mine all have feeder fish, crawdads, and ghost shrimp from time to time, crawdads are the favorite.