Okay, when I first got my turtles, like all hatchlings they only wanted proteins. So I fed them Reptomin baby shrimp and krill (Reptomin proteins have crude protein and crude fat, too). They absolutely refused to touch anything else until they matured. Now they prefer the veggies. I did notice though, that I had my turtles on a 7 day a week protein diet for about seven months. My turtles ate protein long after they matured to not want it anymore, and they DID NOT get pyramiding. (Protein should still be given about once or twice a week to make room for the better nutrients, and avoid weight gain in older turtles).
In fact, I think they metabolize protein rather well. You think of all the ways they have to get calcium and vitamin E into their bodies correctly, but yet, no lighting is needed for protein. I don't think protein causes pyramiding at all. I don't think protein should be part of a complete diet like what I did, either. That was a big mistake on my part. Calcium is way more important.
I think pyramiding is caused by OVERFEEDING. As in, feeding multiple times a day, regardless of the kind of food they get. Turtles never should be fed anything more than once a day.
Reptomin makes awesome staple pellets, but they need to change their feeding instructions, because it says on the cans two or three times a day, which is A LOT of food.
