Feeding and Nutrition :: A week without pellets

[BullDog]

So I'm almost entirely out of Reptomin, but I've order some more (2 boxes! ). However, the shipping time is estimated at 6-10 days. I got one shipping confirmation on May 6th, but only today did I get a tracking #. So I'm going to assume that it'll arrive 6-10 days from today's date. Since I've got one, *MAYBE* two feedings worth left, my guys are going to be without reptomin for about a week. Now, I could go to the store to buy a small container of Wardley or something, but the smallest jars are still $3-4, which is just ridiculous for about 3 feedings each for my 2 adult RES. So I'd rather not do that.

They'll get all the lettuce they can eat, plus various other veg of course, but should I give them a bit of tuna or something once, even twice during the week?
Their main source of protein is usually the Reptomin, and only two or three times a year do they get something extra, like tuna or shrimp. (We don't often seem to have "turtle friendly" meat around...)

[Take-One]

I'd just feed them veggies. Forget about other pellets. If you have a pet shop in close range I'd suggest giving them a few Rosie Reds. If I'm right it doesnt have as much protean as tuna. (And isn't as smelly)

[TheComputerGremlin]

I'd give them a little extra cuttlebone (unless you just keep some clipped to the tank) to supplement the calcium loss and I'd probably give them maybe a half-head sized piece of fish or egg white every other day or so. If you go to veggies only, it could disrupt their metabolism and bowels. But that's just what I'd do.

[marisa]

I'd give them a bit of something like tuna, sardine, an earthworm, live crickets once or twice a week along with the veggies.

[BullDog]

Oh yeah! Egg white! forgot about that
I try to always keep cuttlebone in the tanks.

I like the idea of crickets... I've never enquired how much they are at the petstore. I'll have to ask next time I'm there.

K, I'll give them a bit of extra protein with their veg. Thanks all!

[imderanged]

Crickets are usually about 10cents each. heh...we go through 70 some odd crickets a week around here.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Living crickets are only a good option if you have other animals to feed them to. A turtle shouldn't have more than a cricket or so a month. I prefer to buy the freeze dried crickets so I can treat him without having a bunch of live crickets around. It's not like the cats will eat them!

[imderanged]

heh, yeah don't worry, its not my turtle thats eating all those crickets! I never tried to buy less then 6 crickets at a time, but I think the store I go to would let me if I tried. Besides, even if they made you buy atleast 6, thats only 60cents or so to buy him a treat. you don't have to use them all.
And I have seen cats eat bugs, I just don't know if its a good idea!

[BullDog]

It's not like the cats will eat them!

Lol, well, my cat ate some Reptomin before I put it out of his reach so I wouldn't put tasty, crunchy, not to mention moving morsels past him

Freeze dried crickets sounds even better, if I could find them, since otherwise I'd probably have to feed the live crickets :/

[imderanged]

I have definatly seen freeze dried crickets and other goodies at the petco/petsmart. I just never bother with them cause my gecko loves to hunt, and I don't think I could get the frogs to eat dead bugs if I tried. Their hunting/feeding instinct is relies on movment. It may be a really good option for someone who doesn't have other caniverous critters in the house though. I was thinking of trying out the freeze dried brine shrimp or something as a treat for Sylar...and maybe the goldfish too. Hmm that sounds weird the way I typed it...To clarify:I would not feeding Sylar freeze dried goldfish (do they have those?)I would be sharing the brine shrimp between Sylar and a large pet goldfish.

[industrial_girl_2000]

A week without pellets isn't going to hurt. You can use this time to feed your turtle some other things like some boiled lean chicken, more veggies, maybe a small piece of fish, a piece of fruit, or basically whatever you are eating on your plate as long as it is lean & healthy! Brine shrimp could be fun too! Sheba is also a big fan of "can o worms", "can o crickets", or "can o hoppers" as treats, and an occasional earthworm from my garden.

The possibilities are endless! Have fun! Don't stress, just ENJOY!

[kulki]

they can eat chicken?!!!

wow!

i haven't tried any live anything....

[BullDog]

Thanks Kirstin

Boy, I hope they don't get spoiled with all the new foods in the next week!