Live feeder debate

[Natalie]

I'm a member of a turtle forum, and am currently in a debate with a member there. My argument is that live feeder fish are not necessary for the health of carnivorous turtles. He says that if you're not willing to give live fish feeders, then you're not being a good owner and should get rid of your turtle ASAP. I took offense to this, obviously, because I do everything I can to provide good husbandry for my turtle and I rotate four types of pellets, three types of frozen meats, and live snails in his diet. I argued that, just like with carnivorous fish, live feeders are not necessary.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Toby_H]

My thoughts are...

It is immature of your 'friend' to say everyone who doesn't agree with him is a bad pet owner and should get rid of his pet...

You could just as easily agrue that using live food brings your pet a risk and anyone who uses life food is a bad pet owner and should get rid of their pet...

But the better perspective is to educate yourself on the topic and do what you believe is best... and it sounds like you have done just that...

 

[Younglin]

Live feeder fish are just bad in general. Unless you breed your own, you can pretty much guarantee that your fish or turtle will get some kind of parasite or disease etc. And if you use goldfish you are slowing killing your fish. Goldfish cause vitamin deficiencies that stunt growth and development and will eventually lead to death.

 

[Vicious_Fish]

I guess using live feeders would depend on the type of fish and the type of turtle it's being fed too. Many species such as the common RES do not need live fish in their diets to live a healthy life and besides there are always many alternatives to feeding live food items.

 

[EricIvins]

It's an opinion.......Everyone has one......

Neither is right or wrong, but I will say live feeders provide stimulation in an otherwise dull captive Environment.......Can you deny that?

 

[Natalie]

Thanks for the opinions guys... I really do appreciate it.

I agree that fish provide entertainment. I'd like to eventually stock some fish in my turtle's tank, but not as feeders. They'd be "dithers" for him, like they are for my cichlids.

I also agree about the disease risk. I think it's a very serious problem. I had to do some diagnostics on feeder fish the other day (from a well-known LFS) and they were absolutely covered in ich and gill flukes (even though not one fish had a visible white spot on it). I think the responsible way to provide feeders to turtles would be to raise your own guppies or quarantine.

I just took a lot of offense to the guy's statement that I was an unworthy owner and should get rid of my turtle. I do understand the potential benefits of providing live fish for behavior enrichment, but not necessary for nutrition.

 

[Joe M]

I guess using live feeders would depend on the type of fish and the type of turtle it's being fed too. Many species such as the common RES do not need live fish in their diets to live a healthy life and besides there are always many alternatives to feeding live food items.

I agree. However I always like to give all my turtles the ability to have live, especially my snapping turtles. I usually use fathead minnows and shiners that I get from my local bait store. The owner gives my 50 or so fatheads for like 4 dollars. I quarantine them for a few days to look for visible problems, then they are food. I would actually find it a little cruel to deprive my snappers of the ability to hunt and catch live fish. I also have a pond near my house where I can trap inch long bluegill and they love those.

And I've never had an issue with any disease or health problems with my turtles that eat bait. I wouldn't use goldfish though.

 

[Natalie]

I completely understand giving feeders to snappers. Those guys live to hunt.

I also agree that giving feeders provides enrichment. Right now my turtle gets some live snails. He's really small, but as he gets bigger I'll provide insects and the occasional crayfish as well. No fish feeders for him, though.

 

[snakeguy101]

He is wrong, you can keep turtles very healthy and active without live feeder fish. I cared for a 130lbs alligator snapper that was raised entirely on frozen/ thawed fillets. I know of other snappers that are only fed live crayfish and dead fish and dead mice. I don't think there is any reason to say that feeding live is better than feeding prekilled. The same level of enrichment that a turtle might get from hunting could also be achieved by doing things like changing the decor in the tank, adding a current, adding non-edible tank mates, giving visual stimuli, etc.

Also if you feed strictly minnows you will need to be careful of thyaminase poisoning. Many commercially available feeder fish are quite bad for your turtles when fed in bulk.

 

[gigas12]

Hi,I agree with snakeguy101!