pea?

[athene121]

I heard that it is good to give betta pea sometime. What does pea do actually? I am thinking about giving some pea to my PR and Chris M. too.
But the pea is quite big and hard. Could anyone tell me how to make the pea eatable for the fish?
Thank you~ TEXT

[abm]

Athene,
As far as I know, peas are only useful to bettas in the treatment of constipation. Cook and cool the pea, then scoop out a TEENSY bit on the tip of a flat toothpick and offer it to your betta. They usually gobble a couple of bites before they realize it's a vegetable!
I'm not aware of peas being a part of a generally good betta diet, although I suppose they won't hurt...

[ickyfishywishy]

my betta actuay loves peas! i know its not so nutritiones but he loves it to the point he even recognizes it when i put it infront of him which is realy freaky like ABM said boil it, cool it, then scoop some out!

[athene121]

Thank you for answering me!
So I do not need to give them pea unless they are constipated? Then one more question, how do I know if they are constipated?

[abm]

If you don't see any poo in the bottom of the tank for a couple of days, and/or if your betta looks swollen and is less active than usual, he could be constipated. The usual treatment is to fast (not feed) for a day and then offer a few bits of the inside of a cooked pea.
Constipation is more than a nuisance for a betta - it can kill him so if you suspect he's "stuck" inside, don't delay. There's a good article on the HB Articles tab about constipation, too.

[athene121]

OH~I see. About the poo... I found out that they are pretty big. Is it normal?

[Hannah]

yup. Their poo is usually in a ball like form.

[freshyyf]

I give my betta peas once a week. Even they are not constipated, it is a good way for their digestion system. My betta loves it. And I usually feed it before I change the water.

[Crystal]

offering your betta a pea here and there more as a treat (provided they like it) is not a horrible thing but it is generally only offered to constipated or swollen bettas. Just watch for poo and watch for swelling

[The Imploding Voice]

I was just about to ask this very question. Thanks for clearing everything up for me.