Feeding and Nutrition :: CrawFish?

[Blue Flamingo]

Some one told me that I should feed my turt little crawdads. Is that a good idea. Are thay good or bad for him. Are they messy creatures that will stink up my water?

[sonyj]

You should be aware that some shellfish carry a bacteria that's been linked to shell rot. Also the shell is very hard to digest for turtles, so I've heard.

[marisa]

They're really not recommended. In addition to the link with shell rot, depending on their size, their claws could pose a danger to him. There's also the issue of possible parasites if they're not cleaned thoroughly. I've only read they're acceptable if they've been frozen (for how long I don't know) or thoroughly cleaned in chlorinated water--either way it doesn't sound like you should be feeding them live.

Their exoskeleten is made of chitin, which is not digestible.

[fishandcandy]

There are better things to feed them, so I wouldn't bother with them. They are very messy as well.