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mealworm, shrimp, cricket???? cuttle bone vs. egg shell

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:08 pm
by kooky crab
somebody said to pick up protein (sorry, can't remember who)....so I've found exo terra reptile canned food on ebay, but which should i buy? if any? meal worm, silk worm, whole shrimp, fish, crickets, grasshopper? I'm leaning towards worms of some sort, since i can provide fish and shrimp from the grocery store.
Also cuttle bone or egg shells? is one better than the other? do i crush the shell up or leave big chunks? do i have to clean, boil, or cook the shell or can i just toss it in the tank from mornings breakfast?
thanks for any tips!

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:11 pm
by CallaLily
I'm not sure about the silk worm but any of the others are fine. Either cuttlefish or eggshells are fine. Leave them in chunks or crush it up....doesn't matter. :wink: I often toss in half egg shells with the gooey stuff inside (meaning not washed out or cooked)....the crabs love it.

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:32 pm
by tnt4eva
Those crickets have been a big hit in with my crabs. One cricket lasts about 15 minutes when they are hungry.

RE: crickets

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:40 pm
by kooky crab
the crickets are dead in those cans right? precooked or frozen...however they come. i really don't want anything hopping allover :)

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 6:58 pm
by tnt4eva
They are very dead :) Keep the tins in the fridge and use a spoon or something to to get them out - the smell really seems to stick to my fingers if I touch them and doesn't want to wash off.

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:05 pm
by wodesorel
Freeze-dried crickets have very little smell, if it bothers you. I've been feeding Fluker's Turtle Medley which is dried cricket, mealworm, and shrimp. There is always a crab sitting in the dish porking and I almost need to buy another bottle of it already! The mix kind of smells like kitten milk powder, but it's not at all unpleasant.

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:09 pm
by suebee
a good variety is best.. Offer the most types of food you can.. cuttle bone and egg shell are not good protein sources.. Personally i never offer raw egg into my tank or any raw meats either. i want to protect my tank from salmonella. You might want to check out my hermit crab dollar store for foods.. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Suebeebuzz?section_id=6854851

re

Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:49 am
by kooky crab
thanks suebee, i will checkout your store. i was referring to cuttle bone & egg shell for the calcium.