I have a turtle in an aquarium, and wanna know if its ok for me to feed it fish from a river. I would keep the minnows in a seperate tank, and only feed him a fish every 2-3 days or so.
2006-07-02 11:11:14 · 5 answers · asked by peepinmofo 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Do not feed your turtles minnows because it can transmit parasites or other bacteria.
2006-07-02 11:26:31 · answer #1 · answered by Jesus rocks my world 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Minnors from rivers do carry parasites as other mentioned already. You can buy some cheap feeder guppies from loval fish stores or fish groups as feeder fish.
Just be careful not to feed fish too often since most fish contain thiaminase which inhibits the absorption of thiamin, which causes many problems including kidneys and liver. If fish is fed on a weekly basis for several years, the turtle will have a shorten life. Feed it a few fish each month and that will be fine.
The main diet of the turtle, which I assume it is a RES, since the it the most proficient hunter out of the common turtles you find in the hobby, should fed fed more leafy greens as it get older; just like people. You can try all aquatic plants (water hyacinth, water lettuce, anacharis, etc.) and dandelion leaves (yes the weed). These are the most nutritious and have them most calcium. You can feed romaine lettuce, but not as nuritious as the others mentioned.
Feed the turtle pellets three times a week, about the amount hat can fit in its head. Feed leafy greens daily and live prey once every 3-4 weeks, feeder fish, insects, shrimp, small pieces of chicken or fish so it won't choke, worms, etc., depending on size of turtle.
Turtles have bottomless pitts for stomaches and will beg and beg. Do not overfeed, or else it will have a lumpy shell, pyramiding and put stress on the ograns which will lead toa shorten life. Turrles can live for 20 plus years if well taken care of. I have one that is 19 years old and I know a lady who has had a turtle for over 40 years since she was a little girl.
Good luck.
2006-07-06 03:39:32 · answer #2 · answered by wu_gwei21 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, minnows and other fish from a river or pond can carry bacteria, parasites, and other harmful diseases. Do not feed your turtle these fish or there is a good chance your turtle will not make it (die). Instead, the best choice is to go to your local petstore and buy 10-15 Rosy Reds, which in Maryland, cost 12/$1
2006-07-02 14:16:37 · answer #3 · answered by littlecreaturesrescue 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i use to have a fish tank with minnowes then i got a turtel and when ever he got hunngrie he would get what he wannted then left them alon
2006-07-02 12:22:04 · answer #4 · answered by estevan v 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the fish is small enough it should be fine.
2006-07-02 13:17:22 · answer #5 · answered by mermaid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋