petfood pro 4/2021

Marketing
What do the pond turtles like
to eat?
European pond turtles are 80% carnivores
and 20% herbivores. They eat
almost any small animal that occurs
in nature and is in the water, such as
small fish, crabs and more. Rainworms
and mealworms are also on the menu.
Aquatic turtles eat exclusively in the
water, because only there they can
swallow. A protein-rich diet is important,
e.g. dried crayfish, small fish or heart
pieces. As a vegetable food they like to
eat waterweed or duckweed.
What do you feed the little
turtles so that they grow big
and strong?
Young pond turtles need lime in the
form of shell lime for shell formation and
against rickets. They like to eat annelids
and other small animals, e.g. snails or
insect larvae, as they occur in a healthy
pond. Pieces of fish are also favorable for
their development. Later, around the age
of 8 months, the battle for earthworms
begins, which are pulled back and forth
with both mouths like a rope.
What should be fed in certain
intervals?
Important for a healthy shell is special
lime material, which is sprinkled in the
food. Turtles also independently search
for shell limestone from cuttlefish shells,
which should always be offered in the
water. In order for the lime to be utilized
by the turtles, natural or artificial UV
radiation is necessary for the body's own
vitamin D formation. In the aquaterrarium,
this is done with an appropriate lamp.
Cuttlefish shells provide the turtles with
iodine as well as various minerals, such
as magnesium, zinc or calcium. Vitamin
drops should also be added.
What can be used to prevent
diseases?
The best way to prevent diseases is a
good and balanced diet which is rich in
vitamins. Also with cuttlebone you can
well prevent various diseases caused
by calcium deficiency. All turtles like to
Philipp Hirt-Reger, expert for the breeding
of European pond turtles
sunbathe. Therefore, UV light is necessary,
which is available in specialized stores. In
addition, the animals should in any case
not get drafts.
What is so special about these
animals? What can turtles teach
us?
A turtle is always very single-minded and
persistent in pursuing its goals. If it has set
its mind on something, it will do it under
any circumstances. This we can observe,
for example, in the way a tortoise crosses
a road: slowly and consistently it follows
its way. Turtles are more affectionate to
their environment than many believe.
When we give them our attention, they
give us their attention. This is also a
good concept amongst colleagues. If
you spend a lot of time with the turtles,
gain their trust and even "talk" to them,
the individual character for each turtle
becomes visible. Each of them perceives
us differently and approaches us. And this
approach to one another is balm for our
souls, because these are happy moments
that give us strength for everyday office
life.
Technology & Marketing
Philipp Hirt-Reger talked with Sabine
Straka, part of the Editorial Team of
Petfood PRO at Dr. Harnisch Publications
in Nuremberg, Germany
For more information
www.petfoodpro-mag.com
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Technology & Marketing