The effects of commercial diets on the growth of diamondback terrapins Malaclemys terrapin in head-start programmes

https//doi.org/10.33256/hb170.1922
AUTHORS COURTNEY PARKS; BETHANY HOLTZ; JONATHAN FINGERUT; JOHN WNEK; SCOTT MCROBERT
ABSTRACT Populations of diamondback terrapins Malaclemys terrapin are declining. Consequently; head-start programmes; in which hatchling terrapins are reared in captivity for 6–9 months; then released into their natural habitat; are needed to help stabilise wild populations. As a contribution to the development of optimal husbandry conditions for future generations of diamondback terrapins in head-start programmes; we examined the effects of two widely available commercial turtle foods (Reptomin®; Mazuri®) on the growth of juvenile terrapins over a period of 12 weeks. While terrapins did well on both diets; we show that terrapins consuming the Mazuri® diet had a significantly greater increase in mass; carapace length compared to terrapins on the Reptomin® diet.

The Herpetological Bulletin is a quarterly publication in English. It includes full-length papers, natural history notes, book reviews, and other items of general herpetological interest. Emphasis is placed on natural history and conservation as well as captive care that includes breeding, husbandry, veterinary, and behavioural aspects.

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https://doi.org/10.33256/hb170.1922

AUTHORS: COURTNEY PARKS, BETHANY HOLTZ, JONATHAN FINGERUT, JOHN WNEK & SCOTT MCROBERT

ABSTRACT: Populations of diamondback terrapins Malaclemys terrapin are declining. Consequently, head-start programmes, in which hatchling terrapins are reared in captivity for 6–9 months and then released into their natural habitat, are needed to help stabilise wild populations. As a contribution to the development of optimal husbandry conditions for future generations of diamondback terrapins in head-start programmes, we examined the effects of two widely available commercial turtle foods (Reptomin® and Mazuri®) on the growth of juvenile terrapins over a period of 12 weeks. While terrapins did well on both diets, we show that terrapins consuming the Mazuri® diet had a significantly greater increase in mass and carapace length compared to terrapins on the Reptomin® diet.