Can a turtle eat too much?

[Turtlegirl]

I have noticed that feeding my turtle is a messy business because if she doesnt want that much, it gets wasted and immediately dirties up the tank.

So I decided to make a little dish for her to take the food as she wants it, in order to cutdown on the mess. Well I have been using it for over a week now and it works great. When she wants to eat, she takes a mouthful and jumps into the water with it and eats it up and doesnt miss any of it. She then goes back up to her dry land, and gets more to repeat this. This happens about 4 times. She is then full and comes up to rest for a few hours. She also seems to prefer eating this way about 5 times a day.

My issue is, what if she is eating too much. I have heard turtles can get fat, and I certainly dont want her to be hurt by it.

My question then it, is it okay for her to eat this way? Could she overeat to the point of sickness? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[That_girl]

Overeating can be a cause for concern with turtles. Their shell may grow too fast and cause complications.

What kind of turtle do you have? How old is it? What size tank are you keeping it in? What food are you feeding?

[Turtlegirl]

I have a Red Eared Slider who is female and about 1 1/2 years. I am not too sure though. Her shell is about 4 inches in diameter. I have had her for a couple of weeks only. The tank I was given with her is only a 10 gallon but I plan to get a bigger one very soon. She eats Wardley turtle sticks. I have also tried lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. She also eats guppies.

Is there an amount she should be eating?

[That_girl]

I think you might get more specific help if you looked up a turtle forum. I don't know how much is appropriate, just that free feeding it not the best idea.

[Pet Pal]

IF YOU HAVE A TURTLE YOU have TO JOIN

http://www.turtletimes.com/

Good Luck! :)

[Herdingdogz]

In some cases turtles can eat and their shell can grow too fast and that can cause complications, but in most cases turtles are growing and they need alot of extra food. I have 2 turtles and they are the same way with wasteing food.... I would suggest to keep feeding it and get a bigger tank and see if that maybe helps....