cuttlebone sharp edges

[monsteramp]

i use natural cuttlebone taken out from the cuttlefish itself. the hard part on the back has sharp edges after my tortoise bites to breaks it. will it cause any harm when swallowed?

 

[spud's_mum]

Hmm I don't think you should put it in if it's small enough to fit in its mouth. I put a whole one in for spud like this:

 

[monsteramp]

even with a big piece, when it breaks there's a chance a sharp edge will show up.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

That's one of the reasons I use egg shells !

 

[Yelloweyed]

It's a tedious job but I carefully peel/scrape off the hard backing with an old spoon. No sharp edges!

 

[monsteramp]

do u mean the hard backing is not for consumption?

 

[WithLisa]

I also remove it.

 

[monsteramp]

how? the softer part crumbles when i scrape it off

 

[leigti]

how? the softer part crumbles when i scrape it off

I've always wondered how they take that hard backing off too. My tortoise won't touch the cuttlebone but she will eat the food that I scrape it onto.

 

[WithLisa]

how? the softer part crumbles when i scrape it off

I've no idea how to remove it without crumbling the soft part, I just feed the crumbles in a bowl.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Soak it in water. Then the hard part peels off fairly easily.

 

[monsteramp]

i soaked it in hot water, nope doesn't do it. are u using natural cuttlebone or pet store bought?

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Pet store bought and a sharp knife.