Posted by:
ravenstarr
at Wed Jul 9 02:06:45 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by ravenstarr ]
Hello,
I'm currently trying to rehabilitate a painted turtle given to me and have been trying to get this guy to eat real food rather than a diet that is fully Reptomin. So far, it's been a full week and he won't eat anything. I've offered collards, mustard, endive and escarole green among a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables with the occasional insect. The only things he'll eat readily are Reptomin and chicken breast. From what I understand Reptomin is not sufficient on its own.
The turtle is currently ill, so I'm wondering if I should be more concerned with his physical healing at this point than his diet since it's been a full week. I'm not sure how long these guys can safely go without food while trying to train over to a better diet.
I suspect his shell damage is primarily from bad housing and animal attack. I found out he was being kept like an aquatic turtle, in a fishtank with other fish. He was provided improper heat and light with NO dry land or basking area. I'm surprised he didn't drown sooner since he is only semi-aquatic. On occasion he was taken out to walk around, but was attacked by a pair of cats. His shell is rippled, starting to deform in some areas, is having an awful time trying to shed his scutes and is filled with various pits and punctures.
So, what's your vote? Physical health now or diet? Will Reptomin be sufficient to get him by? How long can this "starve til desperate for food" technique take before a turtle will take alternative foods? How long is safe?
Thanks.
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 Training turt to eat "real" food - ravenstarr, Wed Jul 9 02:06:45 2003
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