Posted by:
kensopher
at Sat Jun 28 07:42:50 2008 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by kensopher ]
From that angle, they don't look bad at all! But, the original picture does show very slight abnormal growth. I think you're doing the right thing by slowing growth. I think you will begin to notice improvement soon.
I've never had NA Woods with growth issues. However, after just two or three months, I decrease feedings to every other day. This WILL lead to tail nipping, though! Miss another feeding, and they'll start biting each others' feet. Your idea of making veggies available should help.
Make sure that you are offering veggies and fruits with the most beneficial calcium to phosphorus ratio. I've kept box turtles for more than 20 years, and growth abnormalities are very common with them. Out of necessity, I've had to research the nutrient content of fruits and veggies offered.
Good veggies - Kale, collards, turnip greens, green and red leaf lettuce, romaine, squash(both summer and fall varieties), cucumbers, and partially cooked carrots and sweet potatoes(too many sweet potatoes may give them runny stool). Aquatic plants such as water hyacinth, watercress, and anacharis(Elodea) are good also. Suprisingly, my Wood turtles of all ages go bonkers for romaine lettuce!
Apples are one of the only fruits that contain a beneficial calcium to phosphorus ratio. I only feed my box turtle fruits about twice a month. My Woods get them more often.
The vast majority of Wood turtles can be raised on a diet that is not so restrictive. I'm only recommending a more strict diet for you specifically because you have had some issues.
I hope this is helpful. Good luck with them.
[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]
|