Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was told to feed my turtle as much as he could eat in 2 hours. So, I began to feed him goldfish, and within an hour he had already eaten 17. 17 Goldfish seems like a hell of alot. Is this over feeding him or what???

What are you offering besides fish? Pet store goldfish aren't the best fish to offer. They usually have a lot of chemicals and parasites. Are you offering pellets or greens of any kind? Another good idea of how much to offer is enough food to equal the size of his head every day or every other day, and suppliment with dark leafy greens on the days you don't offer food. You can also use insects and earthworms as an occasional addition to the diet, if you like.

Katrina

No one I know says to feed your turtle as much as he wants for 2 hours, at most I have heard as much as they want for ten minutes. Even then for my turtles that would be way too much. They should never get more than would fit in their heads, and even then that is only once every other day unless your turtle is a tiny hatchling, and yours doesn't sound like a hatchling.
-----
A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04

Turtles will stuff themselves with as much food as they can. It takes alot for them say "okay full" and walk away. Serious if you feed them as much as they will eat in 10 minutes or so it should be sufficient. Also feed every other day. (unless it is a hatchling but I suspect sucking down 17 goldfish that it is NOT a hatchling!!)

Or the other rule of thumb is enough food equal to the size of it's head. (every other day).