Feeding and Nutrition :: Broccoli

[Take-One]

Should I feed my Turtle Broccoli? They REFUSE Lettuce

[Nettle]

No!!! Broccoli is member of the brassica group which inhibits turtle growth (something to do with iodine absorption). Try dandelion leaves or turnip greens if they don't like lettuce.

[marisa]

If your turtle has a good diet to begin with, a little broccoli on occasion won't hurt. But, it's better to concentrate on foods that you know are good for your turtle. Have you read the lists of what's good to feed and not feed? Try other leafy greens (dandelions, collard greens, for example).

What kind of lettuce are you trying to feed your turtle? Iceberg lettuce is out (zero nutrition). Most turtles like red-leaf lettuce---have you tried that? If not, try it.

[Just Jule]

WHat about brocoli leaves? You know the little leaves that grow on the stems of brocoli........I must have missed that one on the list and my turts love these leaves.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I agree with what others already said here.

I would avoid broccoli, but an "occasional" feeding won't hurt (I give mine some broccoli about once every 6 months...this would include the leaves you mentioned).

If they hate the lettuce, try something called "collards." These are dark leafy greens that many of them love.

Pond plants (like anacharis) are a big hit with RES's too! They love to shred the leaves & eat eat eat it. Makes a big mess, but they LOVE it & will clean it up if you just leave it in the tank.

[amsude]

My turtle was not a big veggie eater was a bit nervous but I had bibb lettuce in a salad at work left over. Took it home washed it and he loves it. He can't wait till the 6 pm feeding he knows it will be bibb lettuce. He hates red lettuce and carrots. But Bibb got him going on sometype of veggie along with cucumbers