Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I usually feed my turtles pre-killed feeder fish as they are often too clumisly to get them. I was thinking, would it be possible to stock up and buy a whole bunch of feeders and freeze them in a bag? If so, how long would this last me? Do frozen fish go bad quickly? Do any of you do this? thanks
- Sam.

I keep frozen trout on hand for both my Carettochelys insculpta and Drymarchon Spp. and have found it too keep for up to one year in a chest type deep freeze, when vacuum sealed.

Jeff

If you use frozen fish I would use it sparingly or add 25 mgs of b1 to the fish. Freezing destroys thiamin in the fish which can cause a defiency resulting in paralysis, tremors, and death.

Actually, B1, as most all vitamin supplements, will not be of benefit, unless they are vacuum sealed, as once exposed to air, vitamins oxidize at an alarming rate.
The key is to feed a varied diet and not rely on vitamin supplementation..

Best regards,

Jeff

ALL fish, not just goldfish relatives as some would have you believe contain the enzyme Thiaminase that breaks down B vitamins, especially B6 and B12 which can cause neurological deterioration ( many fish-eating Mata Mata turtles die of this sequelae) BUT - if fed in moderation, this is not a major problem as long as you include a complete suplemented commercial food in the diet. However, freezing fish increases the concentration of this enzyme in the fish, so use good judgement and moderation in a diverse diet.