Feeding and Nutrition :: Cuttlebone

[the_orphaned]

I try to feed my turtle cuttlebone. He takes a bite, spits some of it out. I dont know if its actually helping him. I try to sprinkle crushed cuttlebone on where he usually is... is he actually getting the calcium from the crushed cuttlebone from the water?

[jenaero]

I used to crush it up for the hatchlings and they did eat it that way, but I found it settled on their shells and I had to brush them regularly. He's probably taking a bite and eating some while spitting out some. That's how mine do it also. Make sure you take off the hard backing before putting it in the water. I just throw in a half a bone at a time now and they take to it better that way.

[the_orphaned]

So I'll just put a big chunk in? After removing the backing of course...

[jenaero]

That's what I do. It took them a while at first to figure out they could eat it but now they can't seem to get enough.

[marisa]

How big is your turtle? Smaller turtles may like smaller pieces than larger ones.

[the_orphaned]

He's just a little over an inch.

[Batcsh]

This may some a little weird to some of you, but what exactly is cuttlebone? I have never heard of it and I would like to know what it is so I can give some consideration in buying some of it.

[the_orphaned]

Those dried stuff that they give to birds which is sold on pet shops. Usually given to parrots and parokeets. They are from squids and cuttlefish and are very rich in calcium.

[Batcsh]

Those dried stuff that they give to birds which is sold on pet shops. Usually given to parrots and parokeets. They are from squids and cuttlefish and are very rich in calcium.

Would you say that it is a good thing to give to an RES often?? And if so, how often?? (sorry for the constant questions, I just wanna know everything I can about RES b4 I get one )

[the_orphaned]

I give him the stuff everyday. Its necessary because turtles need calcium in their blood also. If there is calcium deficiency, they get them from the bones which result in soft shell and bone disorders. Just remove the hard backing since they say that young turtles get injured while trying to feed on those.

[missibsu]

I break a few small chunks off and offer it once a week or so. If you feed it all the time your turtle could lose interest in it.

[marisa]

Batcsh, do a search on cuttlebone. This topic has been discussed quite a few times. There are a number of threads on it if you look.

Can't say I agree with the comment about losing interest if it's offered all the time--if there's a lot of it around all the time OK, but not a piece or two. I keep several pieces of cuttlebone in the tank all the time, and the turtles eat it when they feel like it. For some, I've replacing a piece or two every day, for others, not for several days. It depends on the turtle.