Feeding and Nutrition :: Calcium for a "Maturing" Turtle

[SpotsMama]

I've noticed that Spot isn't nearly as interested in his cuttlebones as he used to be. He's about 3 and a half years old and isn't growing any more that I can tell - or if he is he's slowed down. Is it normal for a grown turtle not to need as much calcium? He eats some but not that much.

[BullDog]

I find when Ralph feels like he needs some, he'll eat it. Sometimes if he's had enough calcium (either through cuttle bone or veggies) he'll leave cuttlebone chunks in there longer.

[CountryGirl68]

My vet told me the same thing Bulldog said.

[SpotsMama]

OK thanks. I guess he knows what he's doing.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I've noticed that Spot isn't nearly as interested in his cuttlebones as he used to be. He's about 3 and a half years old and isn't growing any more that I can tell - or if he is he's slowed down. Is it normal for a grown turtle not to need as much calcium? He eats some but not that much.

My big baby doesn't like eating cuttlebone, so I take those fish or turtle "water neutralizer" calcium blocks and put a couple of those in the filter medium. As the water runs thru the filter, it dissolves the block(s) and my turtle gets plenty of calcium thru her water. I add new blocks every time I change her water.

[SpotsMama]

Neat idea.

[marisa]

That's the good thing about cuttlebone---your turtle eats it as he needs it (they're programmed to do this)---and leaving some in the tank gives him that option. The need for calcium is somewhat less for mature turtles than it is for hatchling/younger turtles.

[SpotsMama]

Thanks to all. I'll stick with the cuttlebone. Spot still eats it - just not every day.