I remove the hard backing from the cuttlebone to make it easier for the turtles to takes bites off it. Some people are also afraid that sharp pieces of the hard backing might injure a turtle if swallowed. Although I've never personally heard of this happening, I'd rather not risk it.
To remove the backing, slide the tip of a knife or scissors under the hard part and twist it. Pieces of the backing will crack and can then be pulled off. Continue doing this until all of the backing is removed. If you first soak the cuttlebone in water for at least a half hour, the backing will come off easier.
For baby turtles, you may want to break the cuttlebone into smaller pieces.
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I remove the hard backing from the cuttlebone to make it easier for the turtles to takes bites off it. Some people are also afraid that sharp pieces of the hard backing might injure a turtle if swallowed. Although I've never personally heard of this happening, I'd rather not risk it.
To remove the backing, slide the tip of a knife or scissors under the hard part and twist it. Pieces of the backing will crack and can then be pulled off. Continue doing this until all of the backing is removed. If you first soak the cuttlebone in water for at least a half hour, the backing will come off easier.
For baby turtles, you may want to break the cuttlebone into smaller pieces.
You can remove the portion that attaches the cuttlebone to the birdcage. Or not. BTW, you could get the same benefits from a lump of plaster.