A bird will live to a ripe old age if fed only that, said Mr. Smith. With some animals, such as the voracious Blandings turtle, it can be necessary to increase the usual feeding schedule. Typically, this turtle would be fed its turtle brittle in an off-exhibit holding tank three times a week. But since it is exhibited with the smaller spotted turtle which it might attack, feedings go to four times a week just to keep it content. Sometimes the type of diet makes up for the change to a captive environment.
Beavers are one example.
They need a hard chow to keep their teeth from over growing, said Mr. Smith. It s always a concern that the animals convert over from a wild diet to a zoo diet.