Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:14 pm Re: Sal wont eat his feeder fish
In the wild, a turtle of that size may not be able to catch minnows. It's definitely eating protein, but it's more likely tadpoles, insect larvae, or small crustaceans.
I had fish with my son's turtle in the 20 gallon tank. She never touched them. Once she moved to a 55 gallon, we added a few more. For months all were fine. One day one was missing. I figured it had died and been eaten. The next day, two more were gone and I moved all the remaining new fish to the refugium. The two that had been with her from the 20 gallon are still with her 10 months later.
At 2.5", your turtle should probably get some vegetables. However, it also needs some protein. Some fish can actually affect the way your turtle deals with thiamine. Feeder fish are good for altering the boredom and providing an alternative meal, but they probably shouldn't have that as the primary food source.
I'd say leave the fish. Some will eventually get eaten. But offer veggies and get some turtle pellets so your turtle gets something.
Tobi a RES born in 2012
1 dog, 1 teenager, 3 aquariums filled with fish, snails, shrimp and a bit of algae