Feeding and Nutrition :: Big News!

[Mo Milazzo]

Ok so it may not be a big deal to you guys, but it is to me. I got Franklin November 17 2012 from a turtle hoarder. He has never really ate pellet food and only ate meat (which made me fear he would start to pyramid). Over this past week, Franklin has made me so proud! I started making my own turtle food using the pellets and sticks he refused to eat...SUCCESS! He can't get enough of it. I had been meaning to make turtle shots, but it was so inconvenient because I'd have to drive out of town to get the gelatin. Anyway, I used what I had and made my own turtle food. The downside is, it really dirties up your tank (even with a filter), but I don't mind cleaning it more frequently. As long as Franklin is healthy, I'll live. However, with this new love for turtle food, the unthinkable happened...Franklin is obese! Who would have thought such a skinny, lethargic, little turtle would grow to be a fatty! That's why I can't help but to like hatching, you never know what their personality and habits will grow to be!
~Mo

[steve]

Yea, they can be little pigs when they decide too. I guess try to limit his food and don't try to "make up" for lost feedings. Give him a consistent amount and less is usually better. Once he's really comfortable, you can try a feeding container

[Mo Milazzo]

Yeah, I tried the feeding container but he'll only use it if I'm feeding him a guppy. We'll get there eventually. Time for a random question. Steve, how many turtles you have?

[steve]

I have a male and female, kept in separate tanks.