Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys. I read somewhere that banana is bad for turtles. Somehow it damages the liver or something like that. Is this true? I been trying to feed my RES some vegetables but she wont eat it. She is about 3 years old. SHe just want shrimps, blood worm and fish! What can I do about this? Thanks.

Mike

Most animals seem to be drawn to bananas. Its not uncommon for many species (including lots of kinds of turtles) to favor banana so much that they act as though they are "addicted" to it. Frequnet feeding of banana may cause them to exhibit holding out for it to the exclusion of all other foods.
This makes feeding a problem.

Banana, in general, is a low-calcium high-potassium phosphorus food (though the amount of these nutrients depends upon the ripeness of the fruit) and so its not ideal for turtles. (its Ca/P ratio is a round one....higher is better)
Many keepers use it to help stimulate a picky feeder but keep it out of the general feeding regimen for healthy turtles.

banana nutrition facts

I wouldn't say that banannas are bad, but they should only be given every once and a while. As for your red ear, have you tried giving him letucce? I have a red ear, map turtle, & a yellow belly slider in a pond, I throw a leaf of either collard greens, turnip greens,or romaine lettuce in there. The only turtle that eats it is the yellow belly. But I have hope that the others will try the greens some time!
Anyways, all I can say is keep trying, just throw some lettuce in there every once and a while and see if he will eventually eat it. Have you tried giving him mealworms and earthworms? They love those.