Feeding and Nutrition :: Snails?

[MommaTee]

Hello,

I adopted a RES about 4 months ago. S/he is an outdoor pond turtle that seems very happy and healthy.

I've seen nothing about feeding common garden snails to a RES but this turtle devours them. Are they safe to feed, to the best of my knowledge the snails have not come into contact with poison.

Thank you!

[spaceapple]

I know that some people around here will advise against it, due to pesticides, parasites, etc. I would personally say that they're fine, especially if they're from your own backyard. Just don't feed them all the time; they should only be used as a treat.

[MommaTee]

Thank you spaceapple! That was my feeling as well. However I must admit I think i'm giving him too many. Should they only be used as treats because they are considered too much protein?

[mat012]

I would give them only as treats - maybe every two-three weeks or so. Is he eating them on his own or are you feeding him? Just wondering to see how much control you have over it. Mine loves crickets though we dont give them often.

There are stories of folk who have put snails in their tanks to clean them - only to find them eaten. I agree with spaceapple, I dont think they are really harmful - just not a staple.

[jada311]

I have two (now three) tank cleaning snails, and they do a great job of keeping more of the tank clean. That being said, our turtle did eat one of the snails, although I don't think that particular snail was very healthy to begin with. The other snail can move pretty fast when it wants too. When I got a replacement snail, to have two again, I guess they got friendly, because now I have a third snail, but he/she is just so tiny and cute! I'm sure at some point all three will get eaten.