Because it can cause health concerns, it should only be fed once a month, just like any other protein. Meal worms, in particular, I believe can be tough to digest and don’t contain a lot of nourishment to begin with.
Gee, the canned mealworms I’ve seen here have just about 17 percent protein; I’ve never thought of them as a high-protein food (unless live ones are different). The ca/phos ratio, on the other hand, is bad, and with young hatchlings (less than a year old), you’d want them to have plenty of calcium in their diet for their growing shells and bones. They have minimal nutritional content and are difficult to digest unless they have recently shed their skins.
How do you advise producing mealworms with a low protein content and a high ca/phos ratio????
In a well-balanced diet, you can include a mealworm or two on occasion. The trouble is that turtles normally enjoy them, and it’s easy to overfeed them because you know your turtle will devour them. If this is done, it can lead to an unhealthy diet and health concerns over time.
Protein promotes muscular growth and keeps a turtle active. When a turtle is healing from a respiratory infection or another treatable ailment, more protein helps them regain stamina and vigor, and keeps them more satisfied in the long run.
Nowadays, most of us assume that pyramiding and other health problems are caused by poor diet and overfeeding, rather than by a single vitamin.
I apologize if this appears to be a jump on you, but this is my personal experience with both of my turtles.
ALSO SEE: Why do Turtles Swim into the Glass?
Can Turtles eat Live Mealworms?
Many people in this town think of meal worms as a once-in-a-while delight. It is true that an excess of protein can create pyramiding in the carapace.
Can Red Eared sliders eat Dried Mealworms?
Dried Meal worms should be a once-a-week treat at best. There are better proteins from live food out there, like feeder guppies or gut-loaded crickets.
RES can, but should not, have to live solely on protein once a month. They should take little amounts of protein once a week for a reason; they metabolize it properly without UV illumination. They are not like humans who can live without meat since the protein in plant material and pellets is not the same as the protein in meat. With UV illumination accelerating their metabolism, protein once a month is consumed far too quickly and does not last long enough.
Pyramiding is not caused by the protein. I fed my turtles solely protein (I knew NOTHING about turtles at the time) for far longer than they needed it, and they did not pyramid or have any health issues.
Do Baby Red Eared Slider Turtles eat Mealworms?
Hatchling diets are higher in protein, therefore hatchling pellets, shrimp, gammarus, and small worms are ideal. The food of the turtle will gradually change as it grows, and they should be fed dark lettuces, berries, and pellets. The amount of protein they require will decrease. However, you can introduce lettuces and fruits to them at an early age; some children enjoy them.
They sell turtle pellets for hatchlings. Every now and again, there’ll be red lettuce and a bug. All of these things are significant. Meal worms contain a lot of protein, which can be harmful to the little guy if consumed in large quantities. I’d stick to pellets and vegetables.