Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since i've been told that it is almost impossible to over feed a baby turtle, then what would be under feeding? I want to make sure I am feeding them enough because one of my babies always seems like she is waiting for food.

With babies it is hard to overfeed, I generally watch them and I'll feed them until they don't want anymore. I usually do that twice a day. When they get bigger I back them down to every other day - turtles will eat to obesity if you let them.

I also like to keep feeder fish in my turtle tanks, either guppies in the babie's tanks or rosies in the bigger turtles'. Feeder fish can carry some parasites so I try to stay away from feeder goldfish at least, but the guppies & rosies aren't as bad I don't think.

I guess you should say it's hard to overfeed a baby turtle. From my past experiences, the turtle will eat until it cant eat no more and start chewing the food without swallowing (Or throw up and eat everything again). Turtles will eat to obesity which leads to other diseases. These turtles will eat their hearts out, so use your best judgement when feeding the little one. I'd say underfeeding would be once a week or something. I think you are thinking too far into this whole thing. I doubt you will ever underfeed your turtle by the sounds of it unless you go on a long vacation or something. You'll be ok.
Jeff M.
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Jeff M.
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1.2 tri-colored hogs
2.4 w.hogs
1.2 albino RES
2.4 spotted turtles
0.1 puppy
--->2.7 albino mice feeder breeding colony

Yeah I agree. But you have to be careful. Overfeeding will lead to pyramiding of the carapace and obesity. For hatchlings and yearlings feed 2 small meals a day. For larger turtles, 3in and up I would feed 1 meal every other day. Also try to always have some form of greens in the aquarium for them to much on throughout the day and on the off days. The aquatic plant Anacharis works well, also Romaine Lettuce. You can also have a dozen or so Rosies in the aqaurium at all times. Keeps them busy and stimulated.

-Chris
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Currently in the US Navy so I have sold off my collection. But over the years I have had dozens of turtles, fish, geckos, and other lizards. Cant wait to get back in the hobby once im out though!

When can you start feeding babies feeder fish?