Feeding and Nutrition :: Prawns

[EarthMom]

Hello. We inherited a little turtle from my daughters friend. We were supposed to only baby sit it for a couple of months, but they asked us if we mind keeping it as they no longer want it. What were we to do after all we have already fallen for this adorable little guy with so much personality. He's only about 1.5 inches long.. not including his head.. that's just his shell size. Is that the way you measure them?

Anyway, for the first month he didn't seem to eat a thing and now he seems like he's always hungry after we gave him a bigger tank and proper lighting.

We were offering him prawn occasionally.. maybe once a week and he seems to LOVE it. He just rips at it. I read that prawn could be unsafe for him?? Could someone please tell me why? I took the rest out of his tank and he seemed a little upset with me and keeps digging around looking for more the cute little guy. Hate to take away his fav food but if it needs to be done.

Anyway, sorry this was so long winded. Thanks for any answers you may have to offer.

T.

[BullDog]

Prawns make for a good treat. But it's something you probably shouldn't feed him it more than once a month. The reason is that it is very high in protein, and too much protein can cause pyramiding, which is a serious shell problem.

Also, if you haven't already, try starting him on veggies. Green or red leafy lettuce is a great thing to throw in the tank, and they can nibble on it when they're hungry.

[EarthMom]

Okay. Thank you so much. He/she sure does love the prawns so once a month he shall have them. I have been offering red romaine lettuce and some carrots to him but I'll start doing that daily. I should also get him a calcium block or something like that for his tank I think right?

[megcornell]

Yes, a calcium supplement is always a good idea. Most people use cuttlebone, just be sure to peel the hard backing off of it before giving it to your turtle.

[erinemcgreevy]

Don't forget he the turtle pellets.

[EarthMom]

Yes, I give him pellets everyday.

How long should I leave the lettuce or little carrot pieces in his tank? A day? A few hours?

Thank you all for your help. Our little turtle thanks you also I'm sure!

[BullDog]

For my guys, who don't go nutso on the lettuce, I usually leave it in about 4 days to a week, depending on its size.
As for carrots, those get eatten up pretty fast, so I rarely have to scoop them out (unless a piece gets trapped behind a rock or something).
I would suggest peeling the carrot. The theory is that the long, thin strips look like worms, and makes them more enticing.

[EarthMom]

That's a great idea BullDog. I actually thought about shredding the carrot. I'll try that next time. Thanks.