Nettle leaf food

[jacksdad]

At this time of year, I collect and dry (or just eat) the new nettle leaves: proper superfood and its packed with protein and minerals....so I thought I'd give the CRS a treat as well
Just picked a single leaf, blanched it in a little boiling water, gave it a little bit of mashing with a teaspoon handle and let it cool, then dropped into the Shrimp Tank. I think they like it!
They were on it in seconds, word flashed round the tank and half the population were soon trying to get some.


Its been in for about an hour now, and there's still several shrimp feeding, but the ramshorn snails haven't touched it, which is good news!

[Martinspuddle]

I pick them wild, as long as it area there's no pesticides used, it safe to harvest some leaves.

Mark's Aquatics, he shows a few others you can use.

[jacksdad]

After 24 hours all that was left was the leaf skeleton, and now that's gone as well, they must have enjoyed it!

[piker]

Mine love nettle leaves

[Martinspuddle]

Going of the topic slightly have you tried Eggplant with your Shrimp, I haven't think I might give it a try.


I had to check that it was aubergine, eggplant is the American name.

[jacksdad]

I'm going to try all the suggested leaves and veg, a natural diet with supplements is always best for anything
I like nettles as they are full of protein, along with a load of vitamins and minerals, I eat them myself all the time they grow, and dry leaves to make tea all year round, plus dandelion, plantain and blackberry leaves.

[thebendyfox]

Plenty of nettles around your area Jacksdad —- makes a change from the dodgy kebab shops in the town Center

[jacksdad]

Lots of dried nettles saved now, but they are for my nettle tea!
I've fed the shrimp a few more fresh leaves, they love them, without doubt their favourite food, so I'm going to freeze lots of fresh leaves for the winter
I've just had a good watch of the tank, there must be 15 new borns, tiny ones, they tend to stay on the sponge filters or in the java moss, and I counted 14 berried ladies.
Another thing I've spotted: when I add a pinch of Bacter AE powder, dozens of shrimp swim to the surface, and either swim upside down feeding, or cling to the Elodea Densa to feed, and I've just watched 2 actually break the surface by climbing up the plant stems that have gone through it, and are feeding away quite happily!
I'll try to get some clear pictures, has anyone else seen such behaviour?

[Andys temperate tank]

My shrimp do all sorts of gymnastics in amongst the floating plant roots.