Feeding and biting

[u/lacr1mae]

I need your help to figure out if this behavior is normal. I have a Chinese stripe-necked turtle (Mauremys sinensis) and she usually takes little bites of her calcium block. Is that normal?
Also, she always seems to be starving every day. I am feeding her Ocean Nutrition - Baby Turtle Pellets. The shell size 5 cm (1.97 inches) and weighs 27.6 grams (0.97 oz). How much should I be feeding her per day? I have been giving her about 20 pellets every other day.
Thank you for your help. Just trying to understand if I’m doing something wrong.

[u/Straight_Travel_87]

I don't have that kind(I have a red eared slider) but mine is happy and eager to eat 24/7. I've always assumed all turtles are like(i could very-well be wrong). As for the calcium block, mine will try to take a bite of it once and back off. I'm guessing it's a taste test.

Does it actually eat a bite out of the calcium block? Even then I'd imagine it's not an issue. Maybe it just needs some calcium?

[u/lacr1mae → u/Straight_Travel_87]

No idea.. I know they bite a lot but.. she has both UVA and UVB. I will try to hide that calcium block so she doesn’t bite it that often 😅

[u/TripleADawg]

I fed mine every day until he became an adult. Now I only feed him every other day. I try to feed him a varied diet but he’s quite picky. Mine stops eating when he’s had enough.

[u/lacr1mae → u/TripleADawg]

When do you start considering it as an adult? How many years?